Useful properties of boiled and raw beets. The benefits and harms of beets: medicinal properties and contraindications. Contraindications and harm

Beets are considered one of the healthiest vegetables. It has been known since very ancient times. For hundreds of years, it has been effectively used not only in cooking, but also in folk medicine.

So, Hippocrates claimed that this root crop has unique healing properties. In ancient times, they were treated for skin diseases and infections. Paracelsus in his practice used the vegetable to heal blood diseases. Modern scientific research proves the great healing potential of beets.

It grows on almost all continents (with the exception of the poles), it came to us during the period of Kievan Rus and quickly spread throughout the country. Today it is impossible to imagine a single bed without such a root crop. It is sown in April-May, harvested in October-November.

The value of beets is due to two facts:

• Firstly, this plant is a unique repository of vitamins and minerals, which are rarely found in such a combination.
• Secondly, the substances contained in the vegetable, even after heat treatment, are not destroyed.

The root crop is especially rich in such elements (in 100 gr.):

• Vitamin B1 - 0.02 mg;
• Vitamin B2 - 0.04 mg;
• Vitamin B3 - 0.12 mg;
• Vitamin B6 - 0.07 mg;
• Vitamin B9 - 13 mcg;
• Vitamin C - 10 mg;
• Vitamin PP - 0.4 mg;
• Vitamin K - 0.2 mcg;
• Biotin - 0.2 mcg;
• Beta-carotene - 6-10 mcg;
• Methylmethioninesulfonium - 14.6 mg;
• Betaine - 128.7 mg;
• Potassium - 288.0 mg;
• Calcium - 37.0-163.0 mg;
• Silicon - 79.0 mg;
• Magnesium - 22.0 mg;
• Sodium - 46.0-92.0 mg;
• Sulfur - 7.0 mg;
• Phosphorus - 43.0 mg;

Calorie content - 42 kcal.

Daily use of beetroot juice helps to eliminate toxins from the body. The composition of the root crop includes vitamin B, on which the correct indicators of hemoglobin in the blood depend. It can also protect against anemia and leukemia.

Due to the large amount of folic acid, the plant does a good job of rejuvenating the body. The peculiarity of this product is that it has an excellent effect on digestion.

The root crop is indispensable for people with type 3 obesity. Daily consumption of beets will clean the kidneys, intestines.

This vegetable has the ability to remove excess fluid from the body, respectively, prevents swelling, improves water-salt metabolism, and restores the performance of many organs and systems.

Beets are simply indispensable for those people who do not absorb vitamin B. The trace elements that the root crop is saturated with will help get rid of this ailment.

In order for the gastrointestinal tract to always work well, you need to drink 2 tbsp daily. spoons of freshly squeezed beetroot juice. This amount of liquid is absorbed by the body for only two hours.

The color of urine after drinking juice shows how well the intestines are working. Ideally, urine should be a natural yellow color. If it turns red, this indicates that the intestinal tract cannot fully cope with detoxification.

But beets are useful not only in raw, but also boiled form. Even after processing, it retains the minerals and trace elements necessary for the treatment of the body.

You can learn a lot from this video interesting information about the wide use of beets, about the benefits of vitamins and trace elements contained in the vegetable.

The use of beets in folk medicine

If you count all the possibilities of beetroot and the scope of its use, you will get more than one thick volume. This is the most affordable and healthy vegetable. They have always been treated for many diseases.

• Anemia.

To do this, you need to prepare the juice of beets, carrots and radishes. All three types must be mixed in equal amounts. The resulting medicine is taken from one to two tablespoons before meals. The course should last several months.

It is worth paying attention to the iodine content in the plant. This fact makes the root crop useful for those who suffer from diseases of the endocrine system, in particular the thyroid gland.

• Atherosclerosis.

Beetroot cleans blood vessels from cholesterol deposits.

• Hypertension.

A large amount of magnesium helps to cope with arterial hypertension. In case of high blood pressure, it is necessary to mix red beet juice and honey in equal proportions. The resulting drink should be drunk half a glass twice a day. This method contributes to the rapid (and without taking pills) normalization of pressure.

• Constipation.

Boiled beets have a beneficial effect on intestinal motility. Fiber and a variety of trace elements will help to cope even with a chronic problem.

• This one heals wounds well.

If crushed fresh beets, and applied to damaged areas of the skin, it will help heal faster and leave no scars.

• Liver diseases.

Beetroot cleanses this organ, relieves tissue inflammation, fights viruses and infections.

Application in cosmetology and weight loss

Red vegetable is used by those who want to lose extra pounds. Diets based on it have a fast-acting effect, so beetroot is an effective tool for losing weight.

A special place is occupied by beets in cosmetology. To refresh the skin of the face, use a mask of 100 grams of grated root and ¼ of an apple.

Thanks to the combination of organic acids and anthocyanins, this mixture nourishes the skin, thereby creating freshness of the skin.

For men

Many men after fifty years of age develop prostate adenoma. The beta-carotene contained in this product prevents the growth of benign formations, restores male power.

Benefits for the body of women and children

It is a good pain reliever for women during the menstrual cycle, and during menopause it helps to cope with hormonal disorders. Future mothers for 9 months should regularly eat red beet dishes. This will help to cope with constipation (which often affects pregnant women), relieve swelling, improve metabolism, strengthen immunity, cope with mood swings, and prevent fetal malformations.

Children should definitely add this vegetable to their diet. It will increase the protective functions of the body (this is especially important during seasonal colds). But for small children, beets can only be given boiled.

People who have lived to old age know the beneficial properties of beets and therefore consume them regularly. It helps to cope with age-related diseases, improves physical and psycho-emotional state.

Healing recipes

A lot is cooked from beets different means, food and drinks. Such recipes have a great positive effect on the body, have a healing effect.

Boiled beets with garlic

This is one of the healthiest and tastiest ways to eat boiled root vegetables. Such a salad has a beneficial effect on all organs, strengthens the immune system, and prevents cancer.

For the recipe you will need:

• 1 small beet;
• 1-2 cloves of garlic;
• sunflower oil;
• salt.

Beets should be boiled until cooked and grated. Peel and mince the garlic. Mix everything and season with sunflower oil.

Beets with carrots

The combination of beets and carrots is very beneficial for health. Regular consumption of such a dish has a positive effect on the condition of the blood and vision.

For the recipe you will need:

• 1 small beet;
• 2 medium sized carrots;
• sunflower oil;
• coriander;
• garlic;
• allspice crushed pepper;
• salt;
• vinegar;
• mustard.

Raw beets and carrots are rubbed on a “Korean” grater. Mix spices and add oil. Mix everything together and put on a dish.

Beetroot juice with medicinal properties

The juice of this root crop is especially appreciated. It has general strengthening properties, promotes an increase in hemoglobin, cleanses the blood, lowers blood pressure, improves metabolism, and helps fight kidney diseases. Beetroot juice is good for sore throats.

To do this, you need to gargle with freshly squeezed liquid. Inside, beetroot juice in its pure form is not consumed. It is diluted with water or juice from other vegetables, fruits in a ratio of 1:5. This is due to the fact that it has a significant laxative effect.

A decoction of beets

It cleanses the liver well, helps to cope with the diseases of this organ, a decoction of red beets. Moreover, it can help even with diseases such as hepatitis and stones.

To prepare the remedy you will need:

• 1 root crop of medium size;
• 3 liters of water.

Wash the vegetables, put them in a saucepan and cover with water. Boil should be until only about a liter of liquid remains in the vessel. After that, the root crop must be taken out, chopped into the smallest grater, put back and boiled for another 20 minutes. Then the mixture is filtered, consumed throughout the day, every 4 hours, 200 grams.

Useful beet kvass

Since ancient times, kvass and this vegetable have been made. It fights well with hypertension and various digestive disorders. For cooking, you need to peel the beets, cut into large pieces and pour water. For a drink, you can use glass or enameled dishes, aluminum is not allowed. The mixture is infused in a dark place for 5-7 days.

The drink will have bright color and stretch a little. It can be used both in pure and diluted form.

beet tops

The leaves of the vegetable contain no less nutrients than the root crop. They are especially rich in the following vitamins:

• phosphorus,
• calcium,
• potassium,
• betanine.

In folk medicine, it is used as a strong antitumor and wound healing agent.

For example, to get rid of cracked heels or a headache, you need to grind the leaves to a mushy state and apply to the problem area. For chronic constipation, a decoction of the leaves is used, 50-70 grams 4 times a day.

In addition, such a decoction removes toxins from the body, skin diseases are treated with compresses from it.

How to choose and store raw beets?

It is better to stock up on this vegetable at the end of autumn. Root crops should be bought small with a smooth, intact skin of a burgundy hue. The tops should be fresh and juicy. Large and deformed fruits should not be taken, as these signs may indicate a rigid structure.

Beets are stored for a long time. To prevent its wilting and save the maximum amount of vitamins, the leaves must be cut off, and the root crop itself should be put in a cool place.

The boiled product retains its properties for a week. You can also freeze the vegetable for later use.

Contraindication and harm

Beets still have contraindications. It harms those who have kidney failure or kidney stones. In such cases, beets should not be eaten either raw or boiled. This may lead to an exacerbation of the pathology.

In raw form, the vegetable should not be eaten with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, chronic diarrhea, allergies.

Beets are such a familiar and "unfamiliar" vegetable! It has been known since ancient times, but even today scientists continue to discover more and more new possibilities of this root crop. And some of his qualities and at the present time remain inexplicable.

Since the 11th century, beets have been grown in Russia. Its various types are used as feed, for the production of sugar, for recipes, in cosmetology, as a raw material for therapeutic and prophylactic agents. In Belarus and Ukraine, beetroot is called "beet" because it can take on a brown color during cooking. In Russia, the distorted Greek name "sfekeli" - beets has taken root.

What is the difference between sugar beet and fodder beet

The progenitor of all types of beets is its wild variety, originating from areas in the Far East and India. The most popular types of beets are leaf, table (used in cooking), fodder and sugar.

Sugar beet is an industrial crop that is grown for further processing. Ethanol is obtained from it - the raw material for alcohol, as well as sugar. Its main difference from other species is the high content of sucrose in fruits (up to 20%), bitter yellowish peel and bright white fruits under it. The shape of the fruit is most often oblong.

Fodder beet is characterized by a high content of proteins, vegetable fibers and fiber. The most important property of this species is an increase in milk yield. Cattle feed on it with pleasure. If sugar beets most often reach small sizes, a maximum of 3 kg, then fodder varieties can grow up to 30 kg. The peel and fruit of fodder beets are brighter than those of sugar beets. Fruits can be of various shapes, round, oval. They often grow above the soil surface.

Composition and calories

100 g of ordinary table beet contains 43 kcal, 8.8 g of carbohydrates, 1.3 g of protein and 0.1 g of fat.

Vitamins:

1. A (retinol) - necessary for the health of bones, hair, skin, organs of vision. Supports the immune system.
2. B1 (thiamine) - supports brain function, stimulates memory, concentration, has a positive effect on learning, mood and appetite.
3. B2 (riboflavin) - stimulates the formation of red blood cells, promotes the health of nails, hair, skin, and has a positive effect on the endocrine system.
4. B5 (pantothenic acid) - stimulates the production of adrenal hormones, helping in the treatment of arthritis, colitis, allergies and diseases of cardio-vascular system, strengthens the immune system.
5. B6 (pyridoxine) - supports the absorption of fats and proteins, slows down the aging process, reduces spasms, is a natural diuretic.
6. B9 (folic acid) - is necessary for the creation of new body cells, so it is especially important to get enough of it for women in the first trimester of pregnancy. In addition, B9 supports the immune system, has a positive effect on heart health, hematopoietic activity.
7. C (ascorbic acid) - protects the body from bacteria and viruses, stimulates the immune system, helps in wound healing, has a positive effect on blood vessels and the heart.
8. PP or B3 (niacin) - dilates blood vessels and improves blood supply to all organs, reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol.
9. U - has an antihistamine effect, helps to fight the manifestation of allergies.

Minerals:

1. Potassium - regulates the water content in the cells of the body, maintains a normal heartbeat, promotes brain function.
2. Calcium - necessary for healthy bones and teeth, has an anti-inflammatory effect, regulates the production of hormones and enzymes.
3. Magnesium - supports the nervous system, muscle function, its lack can lead to diseases of the kidneys and stomach, dizziness, insomnia, heart problems.
4. Zinc - is part of the process of bone tissue formation, has a positive effect on the condition of the hair, stimulates mental activity, its sufficient content is the prevention of diabetes, epilepsy, arthritis and rheumatism.
5. Copper is necessary for the health of the gastrointestinal system, maintaining healthy hair and skin.
6. Manganese - regulates the production and absorption of glucose, lowers blood sugar levels, regulates the metabolism of fats in the body, supports the health of the nervous system and brain function.
7. Iron - important for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, necessary for the production of hemoglobin, stimulates the absorption of B vitamins.
8. Iodine - promotes brain function, has a positive effect on the state of blood vessels, helps to absorb excess fat, maintains healthy hair, nails, skin, and is necessary for the functioning of the thyroid gland.
9. Boron - necessary for the functioning of the endocrine system, promotes the absorption of calcium, magnesium and fluorine.
10. Vanadium - is involved in the absorption of fats and carbohydrates, helps to reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol, promotes the production of cells that absorb pathogenic microbes.
11. Phosphorus - maintains healthy bones and teeth, provides nutrition to muscles.
12. Sodium - is necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous and muscular systems of the body, maintains the water-salt balance in the body, and has a vasodilating effect.

General Benefit

The rich content of vitamins and microelements makes beets useful for all organs and systems of the body. It is especially important to use it for liver diseases, problems with the intestines. Beets are used not only as a nourishing and tasty product or for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. It is used in cooking as natural dye, for cosmetic purposes to maintain health and beauty. She is part of medicines traditional medicine, which are used in the form of compresses or drops.

For women

Beets are an inexpensive and effective way to help you lose weight and stay in shape. It regulates metabolism, due to which toxins are removed from the body, and fats are broken down faster.

Drinking 1-2 glasses of beetroot juice a day helps to improve the complexion and skin condition within a month, to balance the microflora in the gastrointestinal and reproductive systems.

For men

Potassium, calcium and B vitamins stimulate the work of the muscular system, which is important for men engaged in physical labor or sports with a heavy load.

It is believed that due to the stimulation of the cardiovascular system, vasodilation, as well as a positive effect on the central nervous system, beets have a positive effect on libido and potency.

Beetroot stimulates the elimination of toxins. Due to this, it is useful for men with alcohol or nicotine addiction, both in the chronic use of harmful substances, and during the period of refusal from them, reduces the symptoms of withdrawal syndrome.

During pregnancy

A sufficient content of folic acid in a woman's body is the prevention of birth defects in a child. Beetroot, rich in the necessary vitamin, is also recommended for pregnant women due to the fact that it helps to regulate water balance and reduce swelling. Another problem that women face while expecting a baby is constipation. Beetroot is a natural laxative with virtually no contraindications.

One of the significant restrictions for pregnant and lactating women is the reduction in the diet of raw beets and its juice. Raw fruits inhibit the absorption of calcium in the body, which is necessary for both mother and child. In this regard, boiled beets during the period of expectation of a child and feeding are more preferable than raw ones.

When breastfeeding

Beetroot has a positive effect on the health of the mother, cleansing her body. Anemia often occurs in women after childbirth, so iron-rich beets are an important element of the diet. A complex of vitamins and microelements helps to strengthen the body, weakened by pregnancy.

Substances that enter breast milk from beets do not have a negative effect on the child, provided that the mother does not abuse its amount. Some mothers find that eating beetroot helps reduce gas, reduce colic, and prevent constipation. Nevertheless, it is not recommended to consume boiled beets in the first 2-3 months after childbirth. During the adaptation period, the baby's body may react poorly to a fetus saturated with trace elements.

Raw beetroot is not recommended for breastfeeding, an exception can only be made for small (200–300 ml per day) amounts of juice. The vegetable should be consumed with caution, starting with a few tablespoons a day. This is necessary to make sure that the child does not develop allergies. After that, you can include boiled beets with vegetable oil, borscht from lean meat in the diet.

For kids

Beets are useful for children due to the fact that:

1. It contains a large amount of fiber, which normalizes digestion, and pectin acids, which have a laxative effect.
2. It is rich in vitamins A, C, folic acid, magnesium, which are necessary for the healthy development of a growing organism.
3. Promotes the production of red blood cells, preventing anemia.

Beets should be introduced into the child's diet with great care. It accumulates nitrates, which often lead to poisoning, can cause allergies and diarrhea. The recommended age when you can start adding boiled beets to the children's menu varies depending on the characteristics of development, usually 8-12 months. At the same time, the child should already be familiar with other vegetables (zucchini, potatoes, carrots). It is advisable not to administer beets in the face of allergic reactions or during other health problems.

Beetroot juice can be administered only after a year and on the recommendation of a pediatrician, since it contains fruit acids that irritate the organs of the gastrointestinal system.

Children of the first year of life should be given mashed boiled beets. At the same time, it should be mixed with other vegetables, the volume of beets should be no more than 30%. Beetroot dishes are recommended to be given in the morning to notice possible allergies or other undesirable manifestations of problems with the absorption of the fetus.

Children older than a year can cook soups with beets, salads, casseroles, pancakes.

During colds, young children, who, due to their age, are contraindicated in many remedies for the treatment of the common cold and the fight against viruses, can be instilled into the nose with an aqueous solution of beets (one part juice to 3 parts water). It is important to keep in mind that this remedy will not help with a runny nose caused by allergies. Before using beetroot juice as drops, you should consult a pediatrician and do not exceed the concentration in the solution so as not to cause burns or irritation of the mucous membranes. Raw beets can be offered to children older than one and a half years.

Recipes for baby food with beets:

1. 5 pieces of pre-soaked prunes are cut or chopped with a blender. Then add to it half of the boiled beets, grated on a fine grater. You can fill the salad with vegetable oil or sour cream. Such a salad should be liked for its delicate and sweetish taste.
2. One apple, one carrot and half boiled beets are rubbed on a fine grater and seasoned with vegetable oil.
3. Beet cutlets: 200 g of boiled beets are crushed in a meat grinder or in a blender. Add 20 g of butter, egg yolk, and flour to form a dense mass (4-6 tablespoons). The resulting mixture is boiled for about 5 minutes, then cooled and cutlets are molded from it. They can be rolled in flour or breadcrumbs, and then fried in oil or steamed.

Salt and sugar in beetroot dishes for children should be added in minimal quantities, in accordance with the recommendations of the pediatrician. Fruits for the preparation of baby food should be selected ripe, even, without signs of damage by pests or rotting.

Beets regulate appetite and food cravings. Due to the presence of a high content of dietary fiber and pectin in it, adding it to the diet helps to achieve a feeling of satiety faster and keep it longer. The removal of toxins from the body, diuretic and laxative effect make the fruit an important element of many diets. At the same time, the calorie content of the fetus is minimal - about 43 kcal.

Raw beets can be used for weight loss. The most popular dishes from it are various salads:

1. 2 fresh beets, 200 g cheese, 2 garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons olive oil. The ingredients are crushed, seasoned with oil and herbs to taste (cilantro, parsley or other types). Salt is not required, as the cheese is usually quite salty. You can also use feta cheese, but it is one and a half times more caloric than cheese, and during weight loss, the difference in calories can be significant.
2. A salad made from fresh beets, carrots, lemon juice, olive oil and green onions is less caloric than with the addition of soft cheese, but less satisfying.
3. It is permissible to add boiled or other lean meat (chicken or turkey fillet, lean beef) to salads with raw beets.

During weight loss, the body may react to raw beets especially strongly. There may be unwanted side effects: diarrhea, allergies, low blood pressure. In case of their occurrence, dishes with raw root crops should be abandoned.

Boiled beets are less likely to cause problems with the digestive or cardiovascular system, while its most important properties are preserved. Recipe with boiled beets for diet food:

1. 3 boiled beets, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil are mixed, salt is added to taste.
2. Vinegar, pepper, garlic or other seasonings and spices are added.
3. To make the salad more satisfying, sprinkle with crushed walnuts.

Beetroot diet for a week (in addition to it, be sure to drink water during the day):

Monday

1. Breakfast: 150 g of boiled beets (without dressing or with lemon juice) and a glass of water.
2. Second breakfast: 100 g low-fat cottage cheese, tea.
3. Lunch: fresh beet salad with nuts or 50 g of meat, 50 g of bread.
4. Afternoon snack: apple, tea.
5. Dinner: a glass of kefir, 200 g of boiled fish

Tuesday

1. Breakfast: a glass of juice (1 part beetroot juice, 1 part water, 1 part carrot juice) with 20 g vegetable oil to absorb vitamin A from carrots.
2. Lunch: boiled egg, tea.
3. Lunch: boiled beet salad with prunes, seasoned with lemon juice and spices to taste, 50 g of bread.
4. Afternoon snack: pear, tea.
5. Dinner: an apple baked with honey (no more than 20 g).

Wednesday

1. Breakfast: 200 g low-fat yogurt, tea.
2. Second breakfast: 150 g of beet chips, water with lemon.
3. Lunch: 200 g of lean meat with cauliflower (150 gamma).
4. Snack: tea with cookies "Maria" (100 g).
5. Dinner: boiled beetroot salad with herbs, seasoned with vegetable oil (200 g).

Thursday

1. Breakfast: boiled beets, sliced ​​​​with dietary bread (200 g in total), tea.
2. Second breakfast: banana, tea.
3. Lunch: beet cutlets (beets, semolina for consistency, 1 egg, salt, pepper) - 2 pieces, 50 g of bread.
4. Afternoon snack: apple, tea.
5. Dinner: 200 g of low-fat yogurt, 200 g of buckwheat porridge on the water.

Friday

1. Breakfast: 150 g of rice, a glass of water with lemon juice.
2. Second breakfast: beet chips (100 g), tea.
3. Lunch: 200 g of boiled meat (chicken or turkey) with a side dish of boiled beets.
4. Afternoon snack: 100 g of grapes.
5. Dinner: a glass of low-fat yogurt, 50 g of diet bread.

Saturday

1. Breakfast: oatmeal boiled in water, with the addition of dried apricots, tea.
2. Second breakfast: 150 g low-fat cottage cheese.
3. Lunch: fresh vegetable salad (beets, White cabbage, carrots, green onions, olive oil) with 50 g of bread.
4. Afternoon snack: pear, tea.
5. Dinner: 150 g boiled meat (lean beef or chicken) with a side dish of boiled carrots (100 g).

Sunday

1. Breakfast: a glass of freshly squeezed juice (1 part beetroot, 1 part water, 1 part apple) and 50 g of Maria cookies.
2. Second breakfast: 150 g low-fat yogurt.
3. Lunch: beet cutlets (2 pieces), 50 g of bread, tea.
4. Snack: 30 g dark chocolate, tea.
5. Dinner: 150 g of boiled meat, 150 g of boiled beets.

Such a diet may not lead to a sharp weight loss, but it will strengthen the body, remove harmful substances, improve mood, give a rejuvenating effect.

After heat treatment, vitamins and microelements in beets are preserved almost completely. Boiled beets are absorbed by the body better than raw beets. Therefore, for weight loss, treatment and prevention of various health problems, it is preferable to choose fruits that have undergone heat treatment, including beets, baked or steamed.

Boiled beets are useful for anemia, diseases associated with iodine deficiency, to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, normalize the functioning of the liver, stomach, and intestines. During the period of exacerbation chronic diseases digestive system, with diseases associated with an excess of iodine in the body, kidney pathologies, diabetes, boiled beets should be excluded from the diet or significantly limited in their use.

Which is healthier: raw or boiled

Boiled and raw beets differ in composition insignificantly: in 100 g of a boiled product - 50 kcal, in raw - 43; proteins - 2 g in boiled, 1.6 in raw, carbohydrates - 11 and 8 g, respectively. There are no fats in the boiled product, but in their raw - about 0.2 ha.

Benefits of raw beets:

1. The content of some useful substances during heat treatment is slightly reduced. This includes a decrease in vitamin C.
2. The positive effect of nutrients is achieved faster than when using a product processed at high temperature.
3. Boiled beetroot has a higher sugar content, so it is not recommended for people with diabetes.

Benefits of boiled beets:

1. B vitamins enhance their effect after baking or cooking.
2. During heat treatment, possible harmful bacteria die in the fetus.

Useful properties of beet juice

Sugar beet juice has a number of useful properties: it has a positive effect on health in thyroid diseases, removes toxins, reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol, preventing the formation of blood clots and other vascular diseases. It also increases the level of red blood cells in the blood and helps to reduce blood pressure. Anemia is another condition in which beetroot juice can alleviate the course of the disease, reduce symptoms.

How to make juice
Before preparing the juice, the fruits must be washed, dried and peeled. You can use a juicer or grinder. After grinding the beets, the resulting mass must be filtered, and the resulting juice stored in the refrigerator. Its beneficial properties are preserved throughout the day.

Often, beetroot juice is mixed with another, because its taste is quite sharp. Unlike other freshly squeezed juices, which are consumed immediately after preparation, beetroot should first be infused in a cool place for about two hours. During this time, volatile substances are removed from it, giving it an unpleasant aftertaste.

When used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, beetroot juice is introduced gradually, starting with 1/5 of the total volume. For example, for oncological diseases, it is recommended to combine beets and carrots, for pathologies of the liver and kidneys, apples are used instead of carrots. Gradually, within 5 days, the content of beet juice can reach 4/5 of the volume. The course of taking such a composition should not be less than 10 days.

In addition to the extensive range of beneficial properties of beets, kvass is enriched with bacteria during fermentation, which prevent the development of harmful microorganisms. Thus, the beneficial effect of eating beets is enhanced.

Beetroot kvass helps cleanse toxins and toxins, normalizes bowel function. With hypertension, it helps to reduce pressure and reduce the frequency of attacks. It can be used for weight loss, to strengthen hair and nails, improve facial skin. Contraindications to its use are diabetes mellitus, urolithiasis, gout, allergies and acute conditions in pathologies of the gastrointestinal system.

Beetroot kvass can be drunk neat or added to okroshka or cold soups.

A simple kvass recipe for cooking at home: one beetroot, peeled, cut into cubes and poured with two liters of boiled water. 100 g of black bread are placed in the solution, the dishes are covered loosely so that air enters the product, and they stand for 3-7 days. During this period, it is necessary to remove the foam that forms on the surface of the container with kvass and prevent the temperature rise where the semi-finished product is located. If you stay in a room that is too warm (with a temperature of +22 degrees Celsius), pathogenic bacteria can begin to develop in kvass. Then kvass is filtered, tightly closed with a lid and infused for another two days. After that, it is ready for use. Kvass can be stored for about a month.

Is beet tops useful?

The tops contain the same vitamins and minerals as the fruit, while individual substances are found in the leaves in even higher concentrations than in the root. Vitamin P in the composition of the tops increases the elasticity of blood vessels, prevents blood clots, internal hemorrhages, sclerosis. Vitamin U improves the condition of gastritis, gastric and intestinal ulcers, and is also a substance that many associate with slowing down the aging process. Due to the content of betaine in the tops, "bad" cholesterol is excreted from the body. Iodine, phosphorus, cobalt help improve concentration and memory.

When losing weight, you can eat salads with fresh beet leaves, which will help the absorption of nutrients and speed up metabolic processes.

Beet leaves used for compresses have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Before using the tops, soak them in hot water for a few minutes. This will help soften its taste and reduce bitterness. In cooking, it is used in soups, marinated, salted, dried, added to pie fillings, and salads are prepared from it.

Useful substances in beets make it an important element of treatment and prevention schemes for various diseases. In all cases, before using the root crop as medicines, you should consult your doctor. Also, before starting a course of treatment, you should make sure that there are no allergies and other undesirable reactions. Most acute conditions in diseases of various body systems are a contraindication for beetroot treatment.

With diabetes

The root vegetable has a high glycemic index and carbohydrate concentration. In this regard, beets should be consumed with great care in diabetes to avoid an increase in blood sugar levels.

The sugar content in raw beets is 2 times lower than in boiled beets, in addition, regardless of the processing method, the glycemic load index is low. Therefore, with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, it is permissible for people with digestive problems to include a root crop in their diet. In addition, it has a beneficial effect on blood vessels and the heart. In diabetes, the organs of the cardiovascular system suffer, so the use of beets is useful as a preventive measure for the occurrence of blood clots and sclerosis.

In diabetes, it is important to maintain a normal weight and lose weight if you have extra pounds. The root vegetable helps the absorption of fats and speeds up the metabolism, thus it is useful for the prevention of problems caused by excessive load on organs from excess body weight.

Important: glycemic index of boiled beets - 65 units, raw - 30.

With pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammatory disease pancreas, in which enzymes affect it itself. The basic rules of nutrition for this disease are limiting the amount of proteins, fats, sugar, foods that stimulate gas formation, and salt. In the acute stage of the disease, beets are not recommended to be consumed in any form. During the chronic course of the disease and as a preventive measure, regular consumption of beets in small quantities is useful: it cleanses the intestinal walls, acts as a natural diuretic and laxative. At the same time, it is permissible to include in the diet only fruits that have undergone heat treatment, raw beets are prohibited. It is important to properly combine boiled beets with other products: do not fill salads with fatty sour cream, do not add garlic and other components to dishes that irritate the membranes of the digestive system.

Beetroot juice can be consumed by introducing it gradually, starting with small doses, but not more than once a week. It should stand for 3 hours after preparation, it is advisable to dilute it with pumpkin or other juice.

With gastritis

Beets promote digestion and assimilation of food, reduce inflammation, help heal the mucous membrane, prevent constipation, and support immunity. Thus, in the stage of the chronic course of the disease, the use of beets in small quantities with gastritis is allowed. During the period of exacerbation of the disease, it is better to refrain from eating the fetus.

Excessive consumption (over 100-200 g per day) can lead to an exacerbation of the disease due to the fact that the root vegetable increases the acidity in the stomach. Therefore, it is important not to exceed the amount of beets allowed by the attending physician and use it boiled or baked. At the same time, in case of a disease with low acid secretion, doctors recommend that beets be included in the diet of patients with gastritis, as it helps to increase the production of gastric juice.

For the intestines

Pectin, which is rich in beets, affects putrefactive bacteria and helps to remove toxins from the body. Organic acids in the composition of the root crop stimulate the production of gastric juice and intestinal motility. Fiber helps fight pathogenic bacteria in the gastrointestinal system.

During the therapeutic and prophylactic intake of the root crop, it is recommended to stop eating fatty, sweet and fried foods, which can reduce the beneficial effect of the procedures.

You should stop eating beets during an exacerbation of intestinal ulcers, which can stimulate deterioration, pain, and diarrhea.

For constipation

Fiber in the composition of beets stimulates the muscles of the intestine, nourishes its bacteria, which helps to restore peristalsis. If liver problems are the cause of constipation, it is recommended to consume beetroot juice or raw beet root. Betaine in beets is especially effective without heat treatment. If a patient with constipation has concomitant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it is recommended to use a thermally processed vegetable.

It should be remembered that a reasonable dosage is observed in the treatment and prophylactic intake of beets. Excessive or too frequent use of it can cause diarrhea.

For gout

Beetroot should be used with great caution. It contains oxalic acid, which is involved in the processes of removing salts from the body. In case of disruption genitourinary system the removal of salts is difficult, they accumulate in the joints and can provoke an attack of gout - inflammation, accompanied by pain.

It is permissible for patients with gout to consume beets only in boiled form, not more than 150 g per day. It is also allowed to drink kvass or diluted beetroot juice, but not more than one glass per day. Due to the diuretic effect, salts are excreted from the body. Boron strengthens the joints, betaine reduces inflammation and swelling of the joints.

With colitis

With inflammation of the intestinal walls, it is not recommended to eat raw vegetables, including beets, as they stimulate the body. Excessive exercise during an exacerbation of the disease can cause pain and diarrhea. V chronic stage or during the period of remission, the use of boiled beets is acceptable. Start adding it to the diet with caution, gradually increasing to 100-200 g per day. Boiled root vegetables help restore metabolic processes in the body, have a beneficial effect on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract and help prevent colitis attacks.

For the liver

Betaine in the composition of the root crop has a positive effect on the liver. This substance supports the health of the body, stimulates the processes of assimilation of protein foods, and prevents fatty liver. Beetroot helps to speed up the flow of bile due to the content of flavonoids in it. In this way, main function liver, blood filtration, is carried out more efficiently.

With hemorrhoids

The use of the root crop helps to make the process of defecation regular, which is a key factor in the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids. Compresses with beetroot juice help with acute inflammation.

With cholecystitis

With this disease, inflammation of the walls of the gallbladder is observed, which leads to a violation of the outflow of bile, makes it difficult to absorb fats, and affects the stool. On the first day of an acute attack, only drinking warm water or weak tea, with white bread crumbs, is allowed. After the symptoms of exacerbation are relieved, restrictions are introduced into the diet: fatty foods, rich meals, alcohol and foods that irritate the digestive system are prohibited. These products, among other things, include raw beets, which affect the body quite intensively.

Boiled, baked beets and juice from it are part of the diet for cholecystitis, as they reduce the frequency of attacks, contribute to the normalization of metabolic processes in the body. To prevent exacerbation and help in treatment, it is enough to consume about 100 g of beet products daily.

With anemia

The iron and magnesium in beetroot make it an important element of complex therapy for anemia. Regular consumption of beets helps improve blood counts, increase hemoglobin and increase the concentration of red blood cells, normalize clotting (makes it less viscous), and cleanse blood vessels.

Traditional medicine recipes based on beets

Beets are useful as a treatment and prevention of diseases of the throat, nose and upper respiratory tract:

1. With angina, honey is mixed with beetroot juice in a ratio of 1: 2 and consumed on an empty stomach 2-3 times a day. This helps to reduce sore throat, the active substances fight pathogens and can reduce the time of its course.
2. Beetroot juice is instilled into the nose with a runny nose to fight viruses and bacteria. For the procedure, freshly squeezed juice is left in the refrigerator for 4 hours, then heated to a comfortable temperature, diluted with water in a ratio of 1 part juice to 3 parts water. The remedy should be used 3-4 times a day, 3-5 drops in a course of at least 5 days. For children under three years old, the dosage is reduced to 1 drop. Beetroot juice, prepared as described above, is also used to treat ear pain.
3. With anemia, low hemoglobin and other problems of the circulatory system, you can take a prophylactic course of taking beet juice: beets, radishes and carrots in equal parts are passed through a juicer or meat grinder. The mixture is taken 15 minutes before meals, 2 tablespoons. To achieve a stable result and increase hemoglobin, the course should be carried out for at least one month.
4. All the beneficial properties of beets for the health of the male genitourinary system can be obtained in the form of freshly squeezed juice. Juice from carrots, beets, cucumbers, sweet peppers are mixed in equal proportions and taken 0.5 cups three times a day for a month. If necessary, the course can be repeated after a break of 10 days.
5. Beet tops are used as a local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory agent. For skin diseases, including lichen, eczema, dermatitis, you can use compresses from boiled beet leaves, crushed and mixed with honey in a 1: 1 ratio. It is important to apply the remedy in the absence of open wounds with secretions, only on healed areas.
6. With mastitis, mashed leaves are applied to compacted areas of the body for half an hour. The procedure is repeated daily as part of complex therapy.
7. For headaches, crushed leaves wrapped in gauze are applied to the temples or forehead for 15-20 minutes.
8. Calluses or cracks on the legs are smeared with juice from the leaves. From above, wrap the legs with a bandage and leave the composition overnight.

Beets are a common ingredient in face masks and hair products. For the preparation of cosmetics, both tops and root crops are used.

For face

In order to reduce oily sheen, improve complexion, moisturize and refresh the skin, boiled beet masks are used. For their manufacture, the fruits are boiled, peeled, rubbed on a fine grater and excess juice is removed. The exposure time should not exceed 20 minutes, after the procedure, the skin should be cleaned of the product and a moisturizer should be applied to it. Various additional components will help to achieve the desired effect for various problems:

1. To give the skin an even matte shade, one teaspoon of camphor alcohol is added to the grated beets. This mask is used for two weeks every other day.
2. To moisturize the skin, 100 ml of milk, 100 ml of St. John's wort tincture and 2 teaspoons of aloe juice are added to 200 g of grated boiled beets.

Washing with beetroot decoction with the addition of 5% apple cider vinegar(1 teaspoon to 2 cups of decoction) will help reduce facial blemishes.

A face mask made from mashed crushed beetroot leaves helps relieve irritation, eliminate rashes, and speed up the healing of injuries.

For hair

Coloring with beetroot juice is a way to give your hair a healthy shine, strengthen it, and reduce inflammation of the scalp. This method is suitable for those who are allergic to chemical dyes, as well as for those who are contraindicated in the use of non-natural products, for example, pregnant and lactating women.

1. To prepare the dye, you need a glass of beetroot juice, half a pack of henna powder and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice. The mixture is applied to the roots, then to the entire length of the hair and left for 15-30 minutes. If a dark shade is needed, basma can be added to the mixture.
2. Adding carrot juice or coconut oil will help improve the condition of the hair, give it strength.
3. Women with blond hair should keep in mind that such coloring gives a red tint to the curls. More often this cosmetic procedure is used by brown-haired women and brunettes.
4. Like all natural dyes, beetroot juice combined with henna has a visible effect for no more than two weeks. Then the procedure should be repeated.

A mask of grated boiled beets, applied to the hair roots, helps in the fight against dandruff. To achieve a stable positive result, the procedure should be repeated 2-3 times a week for a month.

Harm and contraindications

There are a number of diseases in which you should limit the use of beets:

1. With hypotension and a tendency to reduced pressure the root crop can provoke a strong decrease in pressure.
2. With urolithiasis and gout, beets can provoke a deterioration in the condition, make it difficult to remove salts from the body and provoke inflammation in the joints.
3. During an exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the use of fresh beets should be discarded, the boiled fruit and its juice can be consumed with great care.
4. In diabetes, the amount of root vegetables consumed daily should be limited to 100–200 g due to their high sugar content.
5. When using beets for a laxative effect, you should remember about possible overdose and associated diarrhea.
6. Beetroot can cause an allergic reaction, before starting its use for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, a sensitivity test should be carried out.

Collection and storage of beets

Root crops protrude above the ground, so beet harvesting should be scheduled before the first frost to avoid damage to the fruit. Some varieties ripen in July, but most often the harvest time is August or early September. The main sign of the readiness of the fruit for harvesting is dried and yellowed leaves. The size of the root crop should be about 10 cm in diameter.

During harvesting, the beets are dug up and carefully removed from the ground. Then it is shaken off the remnants of the earth and the leaves are cut off. The rest of the tops should be no more than 2 cm. After the slices harden and the fruits dry out from excess moisture, the beets can be stored.

Fruits without scratches and cracks can be stored up to 8 months. Humidity in the room should not be more than 85%, temperature - about +3 degrees Celsius. Fruits can be stored in bags covered with sawdust. Another option is boxes sprinkled with peat or sand. The neighborhood of beets with potatoes has a beneficial effect on the condition of both vegetables, they retain their properties longer.

Is it possible to freeze

Beetroot can be frozen raw or cooked. The most convenient way is to boil the fruits, grind to the desired size (grate or chop), arrange in containers or portion size bags and put in the freezer. Re-freezing after defrosting is not recommended. Boiled beets are stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 0 to +6 degrees for no more than two days, frozen at a temperature of about -18 it can be kept for up to one year.

What can be cooked from beets: recipes

A variety of beetroot dishes are used in the cuisine of many peoples of the world and Russia. Most often, salads and first courses are prepared from it, but there are many other simple ways to prepare it that will help heal the body and add variety to the usual diet.

Salad

For salads use raw or boiled beets.

1. Fresh beets go well with grated apples, carrots, radishes and other vegetables. To make the salad more nutritious, you can add nuts, raisins, prunes, soft cheese, or lean meats to it. It is best to fill such salads with vegetable oil or sour cream.
2. Boiled beetroot can be an independent dish, just grate it, add salt and olive oil to it. Adding green onions, parsley, cilantro to it will make the dish more fragrant. Nuts, meat, prunes, or garlic can add spice, sweetness, or other flavors to salads.

In order for the bright fruit not to color the other components of the salad with its juice, it should be mixed with vegetable oil before adding beets to other ingredients.

Caviar

To prepare beetroot caviar, the boiled vegetable is rubbed, mixed with salt, garlic, pepper and stewed over low heat for half an hour. It is possible to cook caviar from a raw root crop with the addition of various vegetables.

For example, you can mix raw grated beets with carrots and tomatoes, passed through a meat grinder, in equal proportions. Then add three tablespoons of finely chopped onions. Mix the vegetables, add salt, pepper, parsley and simmer over low heat for two hours. A few minutes before the end of cooking, add sugar, vinegar. After that, the caviar is ready for consumption or preservation.

cutlets

To prepare original vegetable cutlets, you need 300 g of grated boiled beets. 50 g of butter, one egg and semolina for consistency are added to it, as well as salt and pepper to taste. Roll cutlets from the resulting mixture in breadcrumbs or flour and stew for 40 minutes. Grated boiled carrots can be added to beets.

pkhali

For cooking, you will need the following components: one boiled beetroot, 2 cloves of garlic, 200 g walnuts, cilantro, parsley, green onion, 5% red vinegar. Nuts are crushed in a blender with herbs. Then boiled beets, cut into pieces, are added to them, and everything is processed into a medium-grained mixture. Vinegar, garlic passed through a press, salt and other spices to taste are added to the resulting mass. After mixing, form balls and serve them to the table.

Puree

Using a blender, grind boiled beets (3 pieces), mixed with olive oil, 2 cloves of garlic, salt and half a glass of low-fat yogurt. The resulting mixture is heated, not brought to a boil, and stewed for 5-10 minutes.

carpaccio

The first step is to prepare the marinade. To do this, mix half a glass of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons of honey. Then boiled beets are cut into thin plates and pickled for at least two hours. After that, a cream is prepared: mascarpone or other soft unsalted cheese (200 g), 100 g sour cream, 10 g citrus zest and 5 g coriander are mixed. Slices of beets are laid out on a plate, sprinkled with herbs (arugula or another, to taste), cream is spread on top, sprinkled pine nuts and finely chopped green onions.

Kvass

To prepare a traditional Russian drink, you will need:

• 100 g sugar
• three liters of water;
• salt - to taste;
• 1.5 kg of table beets.

Wash raw beets, peel, cut into slices. Then it is placed in warm water, covered with sugar and salt and left for a week in a warm place. After 6-8 days kvass will be ready.

When preparing kvass with the addition of sugar, the fermentation processes are additionally stimulated, as a result of which ethyl alcohol is formed in the composition of the drink. This should be borne in mind when using kvass before driving a car and performing work that requires concentration.

Salt in the composition of kvass gives the drink an additional shade of taste, and also acts as a preservative, preventing the development of bacteria during fermentation. It also promotes the extraction of natural sugars from beets. Therefore, kvass prepared without added sugar is also quite sweet.

To speed up fermentation, whey from sour milk or brown bread can be added to the water. It is also acceptable to use raisins, dried apricots, dried ginger and other ingredients to enrich the taste and aroma.

Borsch

There are many options for preparing borscht, they vary depending on the region, the tastes of the hostess and the available ingredients. Simple and quick recipe:

1. Meat, bay leaf and other seasonings are removed from the meat broth. 3 diced potatoes, 200 g of grated cabbage are added to the broth and boiled for about 10 minutes.
2. Carrots (1 piece) and onion (1 piece) are finely chopped and fried in a pan for 5-10 minutes. Then, 1 beetroot, grated on a medium grater, tomato paste (3 tablespoons) or 2 tomatoes, passed through a meat grinder, are added to the frying. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes.
3. Stir fry, potatoes with cabbage, pre-cooked chopped meat, add fresh herbs, salt, pepper to taste and cook for 10 minutes. Then the borscht is left for one and a half to two hours and then served at the table.

Sauce

Half a glass of dry white wine is heated in a small ladle, then 1 boiled beet cut into cubes is added to it, then 150 g of meat broth is added there. After 15 minutes, salt and pepper are added to the mixture. After that, the sauce is cooled and processed with a blender until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Before cooking is completed, 1 tablespoon of sour cream is introduced into it, sugar or other spices can be added to taste.

Beet chips

Chips from beetroot slices are a hearty and healthy snack or an original snack. To prepare them, you need 2-3 fruits and seasonings to taste. Cut the beetroot into thin plates, spread on a baking sheet and place in the oven, heated to 200 degrees, for 15-20 minutes. After drying is complete, the chips can be sprinkled with salt, sesame seeds, pepper or other seasonings. To give them flavor before serving, you can add olive oil.

How to pickle

Pickled beets harvested for the winter can be useful for making soups, salads or as garnishes for hot dishes. For cooking in a jar with a capacity of 1.5 liters, you will need:

• beets - 1 kg;
• 6% vinegar - 3 tablespoons;
• water - 1.5 liters;
• sugar - 150 g;
• salt - 30 g;
• allspice - 5 peas;
• cloves - 5 pieces.

Beets should be boiled, then cut into long strips or grated on a coarse grater. Boil sugar, salt, pepper and cloves to prepare the filling for 5 minutes. Wash and sterilize dishes for harvesting. Then put beets, filling and vinegar into it. Cover the dishes with beets with a lid, sterilize for 10 minutes. Immediately after this, the jars are hermetically sealed and left in a dark, cool place.

How to cook

For cooking, fruits no more than 10 cm in diameter, with thin skin and without external damage, are best suited. Before cooking, beets should be thoroughly washed, cut off the tail and tops.

1. On the stove, beets are cooked for about two hours over low heat. It is important that the water completely covers the fruit. Do not add salt to the water, this will make the vegetable harder. To keep the bright red color, you can add 1-2 g of citric acid or half a tablespoon of lemon juice per liter of water.
2. To speed up the process, you can add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the water and cook the beets over high heat for about 40 minutes. Then you should place the beets under running cold water for another 20 minutes. The temperature difference contributes to the softening of the fruit.
3. In a slow cooker, beets can be boiled in the “steamed” mode, placed on the grill, or “stewing”. Cooking time is determined depending on the model of equipment and is usually about an hour. You can also use the "baking" mode. To do this, the beets are wrapped in foil, greased with vegetable oil, placed in a multicooker bowl and left for one hour.

How to bake

Roasting is a convenient way to prepare a large amount of beets, such as for several salads. You need to preheat the oven to 180-200 degrees. Wash the beetroot, remove excess moisture from it. Then wrap each fruit in foil greased with vegetable oil. Bake the beets for about an hour.

In the absence of contraindications and subject to a reasonable dosage, salads and snacks from raw beets can be eaten daily. About 200 g per day is considered a safe norm, however, if adverse reactions occur, the volume of a serving of raw fruit should be reduced or consumed less often, alternating with a boiled product or juice.

Is it possible to eat at night and on an empty stomach

The use of a root crop before a meal helps to increase metabolism, better absorption of vitamins and trace elements, and improve appetite. The use of beets for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes is always done on an empty stomach.

Beets before bed help digestion of food eaten during the day and burn fat. A salad of boiled root vegetables with olive oil, eaten for dinner, will give a feeling of satiety, will promote the work of the gastrointestinal tract and cleanse the body of toxins.

Is it possible to give animals beets

Fodder beet is nutritious and useful product for cattle. Other pets can also be offered a root vegetable rich in vitamins, but care must be taken.

1. Dogs can be offered small amounts of raw or cooked beets several times a week. It should be remembered that it often causes allergies in pets, so you should start with a minimum volume. Also in dogs with light hair, it can cause a change in color, give them a red tint.
2. Cats can be offered boiled beetroot or beetroot juice to help prevent kidney stones or digestive problems. Beets are often included in prepared cat food.
3. Hamsters often suffer from diarrhea and allergies even with minimal amounts of beetroot. It is better not to treat them with a root crop or do it rarely.
4. Guinea pigs can eat raw, cooked, or dried beets. It saturates their body with vitamins, is the prevention of many diseases.
5. It is advisable to offer fodder beet to rabbits, but introduce it into the diet gradually, starting from 25 g per day. It is good for their health and growth, but it can also cause allergies and diarrhea.
6. Budgerigars enjoy eating raw beets. It is very beneficial for their health and should be part of their diet on a regular basis.
7. Chickens should also be supplemented with crushed raw or cooked beets in their diet. However, the amount of the root vegetable should be limited to avoid digestive problems.

Why does urine turn red after eating beets?

Beetroot contains betacyanins, which are natural coloring pigments. Depending on the amount of fruit eaten and the concentration of the dye in it, the urine may turn pink to red. Betacyanin is considered harmless to health and is widely used in the food industry.

The more liquid a person drinks during the day, the lower the concentration of the dye in the cells of the body, the less saturated the color of the discharge. The beet variety also matters, some varieties contain a minimal amount of dye. Storage conditions are also important. Betacyanin degrades when exposed to sunlight. Beets stored outside will stain less than beets stored in the dark. Baked or steamed beets stain the urine more strongly than boiled beets, as most of the dye passes into the decoction.

The increased acidity of the stomach interferes with the breakdown of the coloring pigment. If you eat beets on an empty stomach, the color of the urine will not change. If you combine the root crop with lemon juice, onions, and other products with a high acid content, the concentration of pigment in the urine will be high, its color will be bright.

1. V Ancient Rome they used beet tops soaked in vinegar or wine. Mentions that root crops are suitable for food appeared much later than information about pickled tops.
2. In ancient Rome, beets, along with several other vegetables, were sacrificed to the god Apollo. This fruit was considered to bring strength and youth.

Table beet is one of the most common root crops in Russia. Since ancient times, this unpretentious vegetable has been used in cooking, herbal medicine, cosmetology, as feed for farm animals. Due to its pleasant sweetish taste, the root crop is used for cooking borscht and other first courses, appetizers, salads, casseroles and original desserts. Beetroot benefits and harm to the body - this issue is of particular relevance for lovers of red vegetables.

The benefits and harms of red beets for the body are due to its biological composition. It contains more than 30 useful components, many of which are found only in these root crops.

• vitamins of category A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, C, E, PP;
• macro- and microelements - sulfur, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, iodine, rubidium, vanadium, boron, zinc, chlorine;
• sugars - fructose, glucose, sucrose;
• organic acid - citric, oxalic, malic;
• bioflavonoids;
• amino acids - arginines, lysines, betanins, histidines;
• antioxidants;
• pectins;
• organic fiber.

The vegetable contains betaines - unique ingredients that stimulate metabolic processes and remove harmful toxins and toxic decay products from the body. It is thanks to this component that the root crop is often used to reduce body weight.

Useful mineral and vitamin components are found not only in fresh root crops, but also in tops, which are used in the culinary field and herbal medicine.

Beets are among the low-calorie foods. A fresh vegetable contains 42 kcal (per 100 g), boiled - 48 kcal.

Useful properties of beets

When eating a vegetable such as beets, raw benefits and harms to the body differ depending on the state of the immune system and the presence of acute or chronic diseases. The root crop is famous for its vasodilating, regenerating and anti-sclerotic qualities, due to which it is used for the treatment and prevention of diseases.

Useful qualities of beets for the body:

1. Strengthens the walls of blood capillaries, restores their tone and elasticity.
2. Prevents heart disease.
3. Promotes the effective removal of fluid from the body, helping to get rid of the problem of swelling.
4. Normalizes the level of blood pressure.
5. Reduces cholesterol, being an excellent prevention of diabetes.
6. Destroys putrefactive microorganisms in the intestinal cavity, improves the functioning of the digestive system.
7. Stimulates metabolism, accelerating the breakdown of fatty tissues.
8. Prevents Alzheimer's disease.
9. Restores the normal functioning of the liver.
10. Accelerates the excretion of radionuclides and salts of heavy metals.
11. Increases hemoglobin levels, fights anemia.
12. Replenishes iodine deficiency in the body.

Frequent use of beetroot dishes helps to restore activity and efficiency, so it is extremely useful for mental and physical overwork.

During pregnancy and lactation

The use of beets is recommended in all trimesters of pregnancy. It effectively improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, puts in order blood pressure, which often rises or falls in expectant mothers.

Benefits for pregnant women:

• normalizes the hormonal background in the female body;
• relieves frequent constipation;
• prevents the development of anemia, which affects many pregnant women;
• has a positive effect on the nervous system, improves mood;
• prevents malformations in the development of the fetus due to the content of folic acid in the composition.

Beets can be eaten during breastfeeding, but best boiled, with the addition of a small amount of vegetable oil.

The product must be introduced into the menu of a nursing mother and carefully monitor the well-being of the child. Painful colic in the abdomen, skin rashes, tearfulness and anxiety of the baby may indicate an allergy. In such cases, beets should be abandoned for a while.

For kids

In the absence of an allergic reaction to beets, vegetable complementary foods can be introduced to a child after reaching 8-9 months of age. "Acquaintance" with beets should begin only after the introduction of potatoes, zucchini, carrots, cauliflower and other vegetables into the diet.

In most cases, children do not really like to eat beets in any form - fresh, boiled, baked. To make a child enjoy a healthy dish, boiled root vegetables can be combined with a small portion of honey or sour cream, chopped walnuts, grated cheese or cottage cheese, raisins, dried apricots and other dried fruits.

For men

Beets are beneficial for male body. It allows you to restore strength, energy and efficiency after hard physical or mental work. The root crop promotes rapid recruitment muscle mass which is very important for athletes.

Also, the red root crop has a positive effect on reproductive function, the functioning of the prostate gland, male sexual activity and increases libido. The product is used in the complex therapy of prostate adenoma and impotence. Beets contain a large dose of boron, which regulates the hormonal balance in the male body.

To improve potency, therapy and prevention of prostatitis, a drink is prepared from equal proportions of cucumber, carrot and beetroot juices. You can add a little if you like. bell pepper. The cocktail should be consumed ½ cup twice in the morning, morning and evening.

The systematic use of fresh, boiled or baked root crops has a beneficial effect on liver cells, contributing to their protection and regeneration. Therefore, such a product is indispensable after alcohol.

Beets for weight loss

Beetroot diet is considered one of the most effective. A low-calorie vegetable saturates the body with useful substances, gives a long-lasting feeling of satiety with a minimum calorie content.

The vegetable contributes to the oxidation of fats, their subsequent breakdown and excretion in a natural way. The composition of the root crop includes curcumin, which helps the body "burn" its own fat reserves, without turning them into excess kilograms.

For getting good result beets can be combined with fat-free kefir. This diet is designed for 6-8 days. During the day, you can consume up to 1.2 kg of boiled vegetables and 1.5 liters of fermented milk drink. You need to eat at least 6-8 times, in small portions. Compliance with a weekly beet-kefir diet helps to get rid of 5-7 kg.

But the beetroot diet also has a number of contraindications:

• all trimesters of pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• urolithiasis;
• chronic stage of cystitis;
• kidney dysfunction;
• inflammation in the digestive organs.

Dietary nutrition is supplemented with beetroot drink, which has powerful fat-burning properties. To prepare it, 3 tablespoons of juice must be combined with the same volume of cranberry juice, add honey to improve taste. The drink should be drunk three times a day.

The benefits and harms of boiled beets

Boiled beets, the benefits of which have been known for a long time, retain all the healing ingredients contained in the fresh product during the heat treatment. But for this, the root crop must be boiled in a peel and peeled immediately before adding to the dish.

The action of boiled beets:

1. It has a mild laxative effect, helping to solve the problem of constipation.
2. Improves hematopoiesis, reducing the manifestations of iron deficiency anemia.
3. Normalizes blood pressure.
4. Reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood.
5. Due to its bactericidal action, it is used for sinusitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis.

Boiled beetroot has an antioxidant effect - it effectively protects the cells of the body from the aggressive effects of free radicals, promoting rejuvenation.

Application of beet juice

Beetroot fresh is saturated with the same active ingredients as the fresh product, but in a more concentrated form. That is why it must be taken in small doses or combined with other juices - from apples, carrots, pumpkins or just water. In undiluted form, beetroot drink provokes diarrhea. After cooking, the drink should be infused for several hours, after which it can be drunk.

Beet juice benefits and harm to the body:

• reduces pain and discomfort during PMS and menopause;
• lowers cholesterol;
• improves the functioning of the thyroid gland and the endocrine system as a whole;
• reduces the load on the liver tissue;
• promotes the removal of stones from the gallbladder and kidneys;
• slows down the inflammatory process;
• improves sleep and the functioning of the nervous system;
• accelerates the healing of scratches;
• strengthens the immune forces of the body.

The root crop contains the substance betacyanin, which provides the red color of the vegetable. This ingredient actively fights cancer elements. In alternative medicine, beetroot juice is used as a prophylaxis of oncological neoplasms, reducing pain in existing diseases.

With oxaluria and urolithiasis, the use of beet extract is contraindicated, as it can provoke a deterioration in the patient's condition.

The use of haulm

Beet tops are no less useful than the vegetable itself. It contains a vitamin-mineral complex, amino acids and pectins.

Leaf properties:

• normalizes the functioning of the thyroid gland;
• cleanses the intestinal cavity, stimulating its peristalsis;
• reduces the permeability of blood vessels;
• has a positive effect on the brain, improving memory and concentration;
• accelerates cell regeneration, rejuvenates the skin and reduces the depth of wrinkles.

Beet tops can be added to beetroots and other first courses, salads and snacks.

Beetroot treatment in alternative medicine

Due to the unique biochemical composition, beets have found wide use in herbal medicine. It is used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.

Recipes for various diseases:

1. Increased blood pressure - juice from beet pulp, cucumber and carrots. To prepare it, you should squeeze the juice from vegetables in a ratio of 1: 1: 3, drink it throughout the day.
2. Hypertension - 200 g of beetroot extract must be mixed with the same volume of honey, take the medicine in a tablespoon 10 minutes before each meal.
3. Iron deficiency anemia - juices from beets, carrots and black radishes, taken in equal parts. The remedy should be drunk in a tablespoon before each meal. Or make fresh beetroot and apple juice (1:4), take in small sips throughout the day.
4. SARS, manifestations of menopause - squeeze juice from fresh beets and use it in a tablespoon three times a day.
5. Angina - grind raw beets with a grater, add 2 teaspoons of vinegar and mix well to separate the juice. It is used to rinse the throat.
6. Runny nose - a spoonful of freshly squeezed vegetable juice should be mixed with a teaspoon of honey, the prepared composition should be instilled in 3-5 drops.
7. Skin rashes, dermatological diseases - a raw vegetable must be grated, the resulting mass should be applied in the form of lotions.
8. Mastopathy - the root crop must be grated, then 3 tablespoons of raw materials are combined with a spoonful of honey. Spread the mixture evenly on a cabbage leaf, apply a compress to the chest and fix with a handkerchief.
9. Frequent constipation - a fresh root crop, eaten in the morning, on an empty stomach in the amount of 4-5 tablespoons will help.
10. Hangover syndrome - a mixture of equal parts of beetroot, carrot, orange and apple juice.

Beetroot decoction is used to cleanse and restore the liver. To prepare it, 1-2 small root crops need to be poured with water so that it covers them and placed on a slow fire.

When the liquid evaporates and its volume decreases to 800-900 ml, the vegetables should be peeled, chopped and poured back into the saucepan with the broth. Protomite for another 18-19 minutes, then take the remedy 200 ml per day. The duration of cleansing is 14 days.

Application in cosmetology

A huge list of vitamins, minerals and other useful ingredients in the composition determined the popularity of beets in the field of cosmetology. Based on the vegetable, various masks, homemade tonics and lotions are made. They are great for aging, dry, aging skin.

1. Nourishing mask - boiled beets should be grated, add the same amount of cream, mix and apply to cleansed skin for a quarter of an hour.
2. Moisturizing and tightening - mix a few tablespoons of boiled, chopped beets with a spoonful of warm milk and a small amount of freshly squeezed aloe juice. Apply on face for half an hour.
3. Peeling - for it you need to mix grated boiled beets with oatmeal flakes, apply after washing as a scrub.

To strengthen hair, stop hair loss and solve the problem of dandruff, a mask prepared from chopped fresh beets and finely chopped aloe leaves will help. The product should be applied to the scalp, rubbed lightly, insulated with a plastic cap and left for 60 minutes.

Contraindications for use

Under certain conditions, the use of beets in any form should be strictly limited. These include:

• urolithiasis disease;
• the presence of arthritis;
• with diabetes;
• renal dysfunction;
• gout;
• osteoporosis;
• low blood pressure.

With a stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer and other diseases of the digestive organs, beets are allowed in strictly limited quantities.

The benefits and harms of beets for the body are also manifested when it is consumed boiled. It is prohibited in diabetes mellitus, as it contains a significant amount of sugars, exacerbation of gastritis, elevated level gastric acidity. Boiled root vegetables should be discarded in the presence of gallstone disease.

Possible harm

When using beets for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes, it is important to remember moderation. An excessive amount of fresh or thermally processed root causes stool disorder, an increase in hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and a spasm of blood capillaries.

Beetroot is a tasty and healthy root crop with a pleasant, sweetish taste. It has a rich biochemical composition, due to which it is widely used in the field of cooking, cosmetology and alternative medicine. The use of a root crop in moderation improves the functioning of the digestive tract, improves immunity, gives activity and good mood.

men

Doctors have proven that the niacin and pantothenic acid contained in beets, which nourish the pituitary gland, restore sexual desire and maintain the youthfulness of the body. The presence of beta-carotene prevents the formation of prostate adenoma (which affects every third man over 50). And the contained betaine increases physical endurance. It has been noticed that in the absence of beets in the diet, bodybuilders, powerlifters and weightlifters experience stagnation in the results and growth of muscle mass.

women

Red beets rejuvenate the body due to folic acid, which promotes the formation of new cells, and quartz, which prevents premature aging of the skin, bones and arteries. Nutritionists recommend boiled beets, since the calorie content is 40 kcal for every 100 g of the product.

Betaine speeds up metabolism (breaking down fat cells), and fiber removes excess from the intestines (recommended for constipation). This should be paid attention to pregnant women (especially when taking iron supplements). In this case, beets are consumed in boiled form. Vitamin U also normalizes bowel function.

Children

Folic acid vital at the stage of planning a child and at the beginning of pregnancy, since without it a healthy nervous system of the baby will not form. Beets contain a number of nutritional components. The amount of each component is very significant, which allows you to well replenish the reserves of a growing organism. And also all these components during breastfeeding enter the body of babies. Beets for children are gradually (from a few grams) added to the diet after six months, if the child does not have allergies.

We talked about the benefits of beets for the female, male and children's bodies and how this vegetable can harm health.

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What is the difference between the effect of boiled and raw vegetables on the body?

Raw beets are useful for the following:

• All vitamins are preserved.
• Crude fiber has a greater adsorbing power.
• Low glycemic index. Glycemic index beets (the ability to increase blood sugar) during heat treatment is doubled: in raw beets, about 30, in boiled, about 65.

Cons: Fruit acids are irritating to the digestive tract.

Boiled beets are useful for the following:

• During cooking, vitamins and minerals remain practically intact. Only three vitamins are destroyed: C, B5 and B9 (folic acid).
• All valuable components of beets, due to the partial destruction of fiber, become more accessible to the body.
• Contains much less nitrates than raw (when heated, they are destroyed).

Why is there a need for it?

If there is a desire to eat beets, then perhaps the body lacks vitamins A, B, E and C (on which the beneficial properties of beets are based) and minerals such as Fe and I (the content of which in beets is very high). It is better to turn to specialists. Research result ( general analysis blood and urine) will show everything. But do not worry, most likely, your interest in beets does not depend on the shortage at all. The main reasons why a person wants beets, we described in.

Acceptance rates

Daily consumption of beets in moderation 100 - 150 g. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 250 gr. because with cumulation (accumulation) of various components, side effects such as hypotension are possible (with moderate consumption, it allows hypertensive patients to keep their blood pressure normal). Also, beets reduce the body's ability to absorb calcium.

The maximum daily dose of undiluted beetroot juice is 0.5 cups, and you need to drink it in 3-4 doses.

During pregnancy, the maximum daily dose of beetroot juice should not exceed a quarter cup. The child gets acquainted with vegetables at the seventh or eighth month of life. Beets are given from a few grams. Increase the portion, focusing only on the well-being of the baby and the advice of the pediatrician. For more information on whether it is possible to eat beets every day and what is the norm for taking this vegetable, read.

Why red vegetable "heals everything"?

The advantage of beets is due to two factors:

1. The vegetable contains almost the entire periodic table of elements.
2. It contains trace elements, such a variety of which is not found in other vegetables.

Therefore, beets affect almost all systems of the human body.

Contraindications

Color of feces and urine after consumption

Coloration of urine (pink or reddish) and feces (black) after eating the root vegetable, common occurrence. Normally, the coloring matter is excreted from the body within 1-2 days. Therefore, before the analysis, it is not recommended to eat this product. But if the color does not change for a longer time (when the product is abandoned) or concomitant symptoms are observed, contact a specialist for advice and examination. Is it worth worrying if beetroot feces change color and how many days it can last after taking a vegetable, you can read why urine turns red or pink color find out in .

Description of the medicinal properties of the root crop and the disease from which it helps

Regular intake of beet juice leads to:

1. reduction of pain;
2. normalization of hemoglobin;
3. increased appetite;
4. decrease in the level of intoxication;
5. reduction in the size of education.

What is useful and how to take beet juice for oncology read.

Thanks to excellent chemical composition beets are very useful for people with various diseases. In our articles, you can learn about the benefits, harms and ways to use this wonderful vegetable for diseases such as,.

Cleansing the body

Beet cleansing normalizes the function of the intestines, liver, spleen and gallbladder (read about the use of a root crop for cholelithiasis). Bowel cleansing is carried out at any time of the year. For purification, any form of preparation of the root crop is used. With an exacerbation of diseases or inflammatory processes, cleansing with a root crop can adversely affect the stomach and intestines.

If you experience an allergic reaction after using this product, consult your physician.

You will find all recipes for cleansing the body with beets.

How does it affect, can it be bad after taking it?

Beets, like any other product, can cause allergies. so be especially careful when feeding it to young children. Remember that allergies do not necessarily appear after the first dose. If you have no contraindications, then it will not be bad after taking beets. You can safely use it in any form. With the exception of beet juice, it daily rate only half a glass, so a full glass at one time, even in a completely healthy person, can make you feel unwell.

Recipes for folk remedies

Infusion

1. We cut a pound of peeled beets into slices, the size of which is not more than one centimeter.
2. Boil in two liters of water until tender.
3. In the process of cooking, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and sugar.
4. The solution must cool down.

Take 2 tablespoons before meals, and eat beetroot pieces.

Another recipe:

1. Pour a glass of vodka with one glass of beetroot juice, a cup of honey and 1.5 tablespoons of cudweed and move.
2. Infuse for two weeks in a dark place.
3. Then filter and take tincture 2 tablespoons three times a day.

Beet-vinegar compress

1. Grate on a fine grater 200 gr. beets.
2. Heat the mixture in a water bath and add two tablespoons of 9% vinegar.
3. Wait until it cools down and apply as a compress to the chest at night.
4. Put cling film wrapped with a woolen scarf on top.

The course of treatment is no more than 10 days.

Decoction

Second recipe:

1. Rinse one kilogram of unpeeled beets.
2. Pour two liters of cold water.
3. Cook until tender over low heat, adding 2-3 grams of crushed propolis.

Warm decoction gargle daily at night for a month. Store the decoction in the refrigerator for no more than 3-4 days, diluting it with hot water before each procedure. You will learn all the details about the benefits and dangers of beet broth in.

beetroot juice

Three times a day, half an hour before meals, drink half a glass of a mixture of juices of beets, cucumbers and carrots (1:1:1). You need to get used to the juice gradually, as it can cause an unwanted reaction. Start with half a teaspoon. Assign women during menopause. If you want to learn more about the benefits and harms of a mixture of carrot and beetroot juices, then we recommend reading, and what is useful, how to prepare and drink beetroot juice, we described in.

Possible side effects

Side effects stem from the characteristics of this product.

• loose stool. Due to pectin and fiber, beets are used for constipation (you can read about this). But with prolonged use and unbalanced nutrition, such an effect is also possible.
• Low pressure. due to the magnesium content.
• Decreased calcium. Since beets reduce its digestibility.

Beets for many in our time is quite a common food product. But even before our era, they knew about its healing properties. Hippocrates himself wrote out recipes with this root crop.

Beets are a popular vegetable in our latitudes. Our ancestors used it for culinary and medicinal purposes, and young beauties loved to smear their cheeks with red beetroot juice. On the territory of Ukraine, Belarus and part of Russia, beets are usually called beetroot or beetroot. It is very useful in raw and boiled form, in addition, it retains its beneficial qualities even after long-term storage.

100 grams of raw root vegetables contain 42.7 kcal. Carbohydrates in the composition of beets occupy 3.7% of the total mass, proteins - 1.6%, the total part of fats - less than 0.1%. Among carbohydrates, the largest part falls on simple carbohydrates, the mass of which in 100 grams of the product is 6.7 g.

In almost every country in Europe during the plague, people used beetroot juice as a preventive measure.

Boiled beets contain slightly more calories, but the difference is not significant, and the boiled root vegetable is also suitable for people trying to lose weight. For 100 g of boiled beetroot, 49 kcal. There are practically no vegetable fats in this product. Proteins per 100 g of product - 1.8 g, carbohydrates - 10.8 g.

Vitamins, macro- and microelements

Beets are very rich in useful substances, among which there are many vitamins and macro-, microelements:

• iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium;
• sodium, sulfur, zinc, boron, phosphorus, copper, iodine;
• vitamin B1 and B2;
• folic and pantothenic acids;
• vitamin C, A, P;
• beta-carotene, niacin.

In addition to the listed vitamins and minerals, the root crop contains organic acids, including citric, malic and oxalic acids. The product is also rich in amino acids that perform important functions (arginine, betanine, histidine, valine, lysine).

Varieties of beets

Ordinary beets are divided into three groups:

• canteen;
• sugar;
• stern.

table beets is divided into two main types: white and red. Differences in colors do not affect the taste in any way. The white root vegetable tastes like its red companion, but it is used in those dishes where red color is undesirable.

Table beets are spherical and cylindrical. The size and weight of fruits vary from a few grams to several kilograms.

There are also sunny yellow and striped beets, which are bred for ornamental purposes, although these vegetables are also used as food.

sugar beet in most cases grown for industrial purposes for its further processing into ethanol and sugar. Such root crops have a snow-white color and contain up to 22% sucrose. Sugar beetroot is used as a natural sweetener for compotes, fruit salads, syrups, etc.

fodder beet grown for farm animals. It contains almost the same substances as in the table root crop. The only difference is that fodder beetroot contains more fiber and protein. In addition, it is easier and more profitable to cultivate, as some specimens reach a weight of 20 kg or more.

Table beet varieties

According to the ripening period, beets are divided into early, mid-ripening and late. Below we list the most popular table beet varieties in our region:

If you suffer from urolithiasis, gastritis, hypotension or diabetes, consult your doctor before use.

• "Detroit" is one of the most popular varieties of mid-season beetroot among summer residents. It has excellent taste and high yield per square meter of crops.
• "Renova" is a late beet variety with cylindrical fruits. The pulp is dense, with a purple tint, it is stored up to 7 months.
• "Mona" is a late variety of beetroot with soft, juicy and fragrant pulp.

What is useful beets

Burak has long been used to treat chronic constipation. Beetroot contains fiber and organic acids, which improve metabolic functions, neutralize putrefactive processes and increase intestinal motility.

The root crop contains very beneficial substance - betaine. Thanks to him, fat metabolism is normalized and liver function is improved. In addition, it is betaine that prevents jumps blood pressure, which can lead to a hypertensive crisis. Betaine is very useful for obesity, so beetroot is an ingredient in many therapeutic and preventive diets.

Beets are very rich in magnesium. With a lack of magnesium, problems with the cardiovascular and nervous system begin. Magnesium helps lower blood pressure, as well as significantly reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Beetroot also exhibits a diuretic and mild laxative effect, due to which the pressure returns to normal even more (relevant for hypertensive patients).

Burak is an indispensable vegetable for acute respiratory diseases, as its components have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects. People have long known that beetroot helps to cope with a hangover.

The root crop is very useful for the normal function of hematopoiesis. Burak helps to effectively cope with anemia and other moderate blood diseases. During pregnancy, the root crop benefits not only the mother, but also her child. Folic acid, which is present in beets, is responsible for the normal development and structure of the nervous system of the unborn baby. Iron and phosphorus are involved in the construction of skeletal bones and teeth.

Medicinal recipes based on beetroot are described in the works of famous ancient healers Hippocrates and Avicenna.

Regular consumption of beets prevents the risk of developing cancer. The root crop improves the function of the thyroid gland and energy processes at the cellular level.

For men

Beetroot exhibits the following beneficial properties regarding the male body:

• The components of the root crop effectively disinfect the intestines from harmful bacteria and microorganisms that can cause diseases of the reproductive system.
• Beetroot juice contains a large amount of zinc, which plays an important role in the normal functioning of the prostate gland.
• Due to the presence of beta-carotene in the root crop, it is possible to protect the prostate gland from the development of benign tumors.

Fresh beets are also effective in treating male impotence and lack of erection.

For women

The root crop is able to bring next benefit female body:

• Anesthetizes and stops bleeding on critical days.
• On the basis of beets and its leaves, you can make face and skin masks that will improve the condition of the skin and remove wrinkles.
• Women are much more men susceptible to atherosclerosis and hypertension. The root crop is able to prevent these insidious diseases.

Features of use

For different age groups and in certain situations, beets should be consumed in different ways.

During pregnancy

In almost all expectant mothers, blood pressure levels increase in the third trimester of pregnancy, which is associated with weight gain. To normalize blood pressure, it is recommended to consume 50 g of beetroot juice in the morning and evening after meals. Based on beetroot juice, you can also make microclysters for constipation, which is a common ailment of pregnant women.

Future mothers can get ARVI during the period of bearing a child, but it is contraindicated to treat such a disease with synthetic medications. In this case, you can use beetroot juice. For instillation of the nose, 3-4 drops are enough in each nostril, gargle 3-4 times a day 1 hour before meals (dilute the juice with water in equal proportions).

With lactation

During lactation, in the absence of contraindications, beetroot can be consumed in any form. It makes sense to add to fresh salads, eat in small slices along with cereal cereals, prepare juice, borscht, vegetable stew. Experts note that during the period of breastfeeding a child, beets are best consumed boiled with the addition of cold-pressed linseed or olive oil. The introduction of beets into the diet is just one of the points.

When losing weight

Below we will give one of the most effective schemes for losing weight with the help of a table root crop. The duration of the diet is 21 days, in the future we try to adhere to the rules of healthy eating as strictly as possible, otherwise the extra pounds may return with replenishment:

• Use for breakfast fruit salads, carrots, prunes, cabbage and beets. Boiled beetroot is necessary for breakfast on Mondays and Tuesdays, raw on Saturdays, on other days fill your diet with other fruits and vegetables without sugar and food additives.
• Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, prepare beetroot-based salads. You can add a little carrots or apples with prunes to them. In addition to beets, eat chicken or fish and some lean porridge.
• Dinner on Monday and two days off should consist of boiled beets and one glass of low-fat kefir.

With pancreatitis

If a person suffers from pancreatitis, then beets should be introduced into his diet gradually, and it can only be consumed in boiled form. On the first day, you need to eat only 1 tbsp. l. root, on the second day the portion can be increased by 1.5-2 times. The maximum allowable daily portion of boiled beetroot for pancreatitis should be 100 g. Remember that vinegar cannot be added to the salad from this vegetable, citric acid or lemon juice.

With diabetes

With diabetes, it is best to eat a boiled root vegetable, as it contains much less sucrose. The maximum allowable daily allowance is 150 g, raw beetroot can be eaten no more than 70 g per day. Experts note that in type 2 diabetes, fresh beetroot juice can be consumed, but not more than 200 g per day, while blood sugar levels should be monitored. For detailed information about dietary nutrition, it is best to consult a doctor.

When to give a child

Pediatricians note that if a child does not have allergic reactions to beetroot components, then it can be introduced into the diet from 8-9 months. But this should be done only after adding other vegetables (potatoes, zucchini, broccoli, carrots) to the children's menu.

Beetroot with honey in equal proportions helps to quickly and effectively reduce blood pressure.

Sometimes a boiled root crop can be given to a child from the age of six months. Often, doctors themselves recommend that parents give their child beetroot if the baby has problems with stool or has reduced intestinal motility.

How is it used in cooking

In cooking, not only beetroot fruits are used; cooks also use leaves for cooking. On the basis of the root crop, you can cook:

• okroshka or borscht;
• beetroot, botvinya;
• vitamin salad seasoned with vegetable oil (+ prunes, dried apricots or raisins);
• vinaigrette, herring "under a fur coat";
• salad "Brush" based on beetroot, carrots and white cabbage.

In addition to the above traditional dishes, beets are used to prepare a variety of exotic desserts:

• sorbet (delicious ice cream that does not contain dairy products);
• marmalade, Turkish delight, various pies and pastries;
• fruit salads made from exotic fruits, the highlight of which is the addition of beetroot pieces.

The root crop goes well with almost any dish, in addition, it is often used as a natural dye for marinades and dressings.

How to cook a delicious beetroot, see the video

How to choose when buying

If you want to purchase a high-quality and ripe root crop, then follow the rules below when buying:

• It is best to buy young beets.
• Beetroot should be dense, as a sluggish vegetable is a sign of long storage.
• Do not buy fruits that are damaged or rotten. The seller can give you a discount and say that such beets can be cut, but it’s better to pay more and buy a young beetroot.
• The color of a quality vegetable is from dark red to maroon.

It is best to buy root crops in the market, where people sell their own products. Supermarket products are grown in large agro-technical enterprises, where quality fades into the background. The main goal of entrepreneurs is high level yield, which is easiest to achieve by adding chemical additives to the soil with vegetables.

How to save in winter

Store root vegetables in a cool, dry place. If you have a cellar, then you can store beets for 6-7 months. To do this, make a compartment in the cellar where the beets will not come into contact with the ground. Clean the vegetables of leaves and dirt, and then put them in small bags. You can store beetroot in the refrigerator, but in such conditions it will remain fresh for no longer than two months.

Application in traditional medicine

Traditional healers use beetroot, its leaves and juice to treat many diseases. You can be treated with the help of a root crop without fear, while pharmaceutical preparations have a lot of side effects.

from anemia

With anemia in the patient's body, there is a deficiency of ferum minerals (iron). Beetroot juice contains many of these minerals, so it is effectively used to restore normal blood composition. To safely treat anemia, make juice from fresh beetroot, carrots, and radishes. Use 1-2 tbsp. l. of this juice 3 times a day before each meal. Continue the therapeutic course for at least 2 months.

The first mention of beets can be dated to the X-XI century AD.

With anemia, beetroot salads will also benefit, in which you can add nuts and prunes (they also have a beneficial effect on blood composition). Boiled beets cleanse the blood of salts of heavy metals and the remains of pathogenic microorganisms.

From a cold

Beetroot juice is an effective remedy against the common cold of infectious etiology. It has been used to treat the symptoms of the common cold since ancient times, as it has the following properties: useful properties: dilates blood vessels and restores normal breathing, dilutes thick secretions and purposefully fights pathogenic microorganisms in the nasopharynx.

But juice for instillation into the nose must be properly prepared so that it does not cause burning and allergic reactions:

• We wash the fresh beets and, having removed the peel, squeeze the juice out of it.
• Leave the juice in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours.
• After the specified time, we take out the juice from the refrigerator and leave it for a while (until the temperature of the liquid reaches room temperature).
• We mix concentrated juice with pre-purified water in proportions 1:2 (for adults), 1:3 (for children under 12 years old).
• It is necessary to bury the remedy 3-4 times a day for a week or until complete recovery.

For constipation

If you want to get rid of constipation after 6-8 hours, prepare fresh beetroot juice. Adults should drink a glass of this drink 30 minutes before breakfast. Breakfast should consist of fermented milk products (low-fat cottage cheese, kefir, acidophilus). Treat constipation in children from 7 to 12 years old in the same way, but reduce the dosage by 2 times, for children under 7 years old, reduce the dosage by 4 times.

How can it be used for cosmetic purposes

Masks and scrubs based on beetroot will cope with pale and aging skin, improve the condition of dry and sagging skin. The root crop is an excellent remedy for dandruff and weakened hair.

For facial skin

Pectin, potassium, betaine and ascorbic acid - important components of beets, moisturize the skin, give it elasticity and firmness.

Nourishing mask

To prepare a nourishing mask based on beetroot, the vegetable must first be boiled and then grated into small pieces. Add yogurt or low-fat sour cream to the resulting gruel in proportions of 1: 1. This mask should be applied daily half an hour before bedtime. It will cope with problem skin, saturate it with vitamins and minerals, cleanse pores and give elasticity.

See the video for the beetroot mask recipe

Moisturizing mask

Moisturizing masks based on beetroot are suitable for dry and problematic skin:

• Recipe 1. Boil a small beet (150-200 g) and make a gruel out of it. Add a tablespoon of milk and 1 tsp. aloe juice. Apply the mask before going to bed for 20-25 minutes.
• Recipe 2. Squeeze out some beetroot juice and mix it with cream in proportions of 3:1. Apply this mask on your face daily for 15-20 minutes.

A moisturizing effect will also have beet-based masks with the addition of mineral water, honey and natural green tea.

Facial scrub

Purchased scrubs do not always bring the desired effect, in addition, they can cause allergic reactions and other side effects. Prepare a natural facial scrub based on boiled beetroot: bring a small root crop to a gruel state with a grater and add a tablespoon there oatmeal. Without waiting for the flakes to swell, start using the scrub.

For hair

Burak favorably affects the roots and hair follicles. Beetroot juice is used to treat and color hair. It gives them silkiness, splendor and helps to strengthen them.

Hair coloring

Hair coloring with a root crop is an effective and safe method, since natural beetroot juice does not contain harmful chemical compounds. With the help of beetroot, you can give a dark shade to the hair of blondes and make the hair burgundy-black in the case of brunettes.

To relieve a hangover syndrome, make fresh juice from beets, oranges, apples and carrots and drink it 4-5 times a day for 100-150 g.

To prepare a natural dye, squeeze some fresh beetroot juice and add henna powder to it. Mix these ingredients until a homogeneous consistency is formed and apply only to dry hair with a sponge.

Dyed hair is covered with a plastic cap for 15 minutes, after which the gruel can be washed off without shampoo. For a longer lasting coloring effect, periodically rinse your hair in diluted beetroot juice.

Strengthening mask

A hair mask based on aloe and beetroot has an excellent firming and healing effect. To prepare and properly apply the mask, follow these recommendations:

• Make a pulp of aloe leaves and squeeze a glass of fresh beetroot juice.
• Mix the two ingredients until a homogeneous consistency is formed.
• Apply the resulting mask to the hair, while massaging in circular motions.
• Put on a plastic cap and soak the mask on your hair for 40-50 minutes.
• Wash off the mask with warm running water without using shampoos.

Such procedures are recommended to be performed weekly to enhance the therapeutic effect.

Anti-dandruff

To get rid of annoying dandruff, apply gruel from boiled beets to the scalp and hair (you can apply fresh, pre-ground on a grater). After applying the mask on your head, put on a plastic cap.

The mask should be kept for half an hour, then washed off without shampoo. It is necessary to carry out such procedures 1-2 times a week for 2 months. Periodically, you can wash your hair in the water where beetroot was boiled.

Contraindications and harm

Beets are not capable of harming a healthy person, as they do not contain hazardous chemical compounds in their composition. A root crop can only harm people who have contraindications to its use (in some cases, you can eat this vegetable, but in limited quantities):

• Regular intake of large amounts of beetroot can cause spasm of blood vessels. Therefore, it should be used with caution in people with vascular diseases and chronic migraines.
• Burak lowers blood pressure. This can adversely affect the health of hypotensive patients.

Sugar beet in the process of selection appeared only in 1747.

• Beetroot is a natural laxative, so people who are prone to frequent diarrhea should eat this product in moderation or strictly limited.
• It is better not to eat beetroot for people (or use it in a limited way, only after consulting a doctor) who suffer from acute or chronic gastritis with high acidity of gastric contents. With gastritis, you must adhere to.
• Beetroot juice is contraindicated in urolithiasis.
• People with diabetes should limit the amount of raw and boiled beetroot in their diet.

In this article, we talked about beets almost everything that every person needs to know. Now you know how to use this vegetable for a particular disease, how to use it in cosmetology and cooking, as well as how to store it and choose it correctly on the market.

Watch the video about the properties of beetroot juice