Beets are inexpensive, available all year round and extremely valuable. Beets contain a dye - betanin - it has antibacterial, antiviral and anticancer properties, and also lowers the level of bad cholesterol. A valuable component of beetroot is also betaine (a derivative of the amino acid glycine), which is important in the prevention of atherosclerosis.

Burakis one of the most popular domestic vegetables. Unfortunately, for some reason, it is often underestimated. The beetroot's characteristic ruby ​​color is given by betalain pigments, which include red-violet betacyanins and yellow betaxanthins.

Betanin in red beets destroys free radicals

As much as over 70 percent of alldyesredbeetrootisbetanin , in the amount of approx. 200 mg per 100 g of root. In the past, the coloring properties of betanin were mainly appreciated. Thanks to it, beetroot concentrates have been used in the production of fruit yoghurts, jellies, desserts, life gums and breakfast cereals.

Currently, theantioxidant properties of beetrootare becoming more and more popular. It turns out that betanin is an excellent free radical scavenger … The same research has shown that eating cactus fruit, also rich in betanin, has a beneficial effect on reducing the oxidation processes that lead to lipid damage.

Moreover, betalain pigments have antibacterial, antiviral and anticancer properties. The advantage of beetroot is also its de-acidifying and cleansing effect. This vegetable also contains rare elements: rubidium and cesium.

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Betaine in beets prevents atherosclerosis

A valuable component of beetroot isbetaine- a derivative of the glycine amino acid, which, together with folic acid, lowers the level of homocysteine ​​- an amino acid produced in the process of protein digestion. A high level of homocysteine ​​increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis, so people who eat a lot of meat should remember to eat beetroot.

Wonderful properties of beetroot

Beets must be leavened during cooking

When preparing food withbeetroot, it is worth remembering that betalains are relatively unstable pigments. Therefore, they are most abundant in fresh vegetables and their juices. If you want to protect betalain pigments during heat treatment, cook the vegetables whole, with the skin on, and shorten the entire process as much as possible. They can also be placed on a baking sheet and put in a hot oven. The acidic environment contributes to the preservation of the color of beetroot dishes. Therefore, when preparing them, it is worth adding a little lemon juice or vinegar, preferably wine or apple.

>>>Cleansing beetroot cocktail

Important

Why beetroot stains urine

The pigments in beets are so strong that eating more of these vegetables can cause temporary reddish or pink urine, which is sometimes mistakenly associated with disease. However, the unusual symptoms are not dangerous and they disappear when the body gets rid of the residual dyes.

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