Why Are Beets Good For You? These Sweet Root Vegetables Offer a Host of Benefits
If you aren’t already eating beets regularly, you should start. Beets are well-known for their numerous health benefits in a number of areas. Why are beets good for you? Beets are known especially for their ability to fight high blood pressure and improve endurance.[1] But recent research suggests that beets can also improve insulin responses and help lower blood sugar.
Glycemic Index vs. Glycemic Load
If you’ve ever had beets, you know that they’re characteristically sweet. And yes, this means that beets do have a moderately high glycemic index, so they theoretically should produce a larger rise in glucose compared to many other foods. The glycemic load, however, takes into account the total amount of carbohydrates in a serving.
While the glycemic index of beets is high, the colorful vegetable doesn’t actually contain a high amount of carbohydrates per serving, making the glycemic load lower. This means that you would have to eat a lot of beets—more than you probably ever would in one sitting—to cause a significant rise in blood glucose levels.
Here, we review four other benefits that address the question, “Why are beets good for you?”
Beets Are High in Fiber
A worthy tip from www.HealthySD.gov: “Did you know that you can eat the whole beet plant? Beet tops (leaves) are cooked or served fresh as greens and are an excellent source of vitamin A. The roots may be pickled for salads, cooked or eaten raw.” (Photo: © Daniboynton | Dreamstime.com)
Beets are rich in fiber, which helps to fight high blood sugar. Increased dietary fiber intake is associated with better blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes.[2] Fiber slows down digestion and thus helps prevent the quick rise in glucose that can be dangerous.
Beets Offer Multiple Antioxidants
Beets contain a host of antioxidant compounds, including many phenolic acids, flavanoids, and betalains. Antioxidants like these, studies suggest, can help modify blood sugar levels after meals. In fact, researchers have found that a predominant component of beets is the yellow/orange pigment called neobetanin, which is believed to play an important role in insulin and blood glucose function.[3]
Bring on the Nitrates!
While synthetic nitrates found in preserved foods can cause significant adverse health effects when consumed in large quantities, beets contain natural nitrates that are beneficial to your health. These nitrates help to lower blood pressure[4] and may help to lower blood sugar as well. Low nitric oxide is associated with insulin resistance, and consumption of nitrate from beet juice can increase nitric oxide formation.[5]
Beet Juice Improves Glucose Tolerance
Multiple studies have investigated the effects of beet consumption on blood sugar and insulin responses.[1] In one study, 225 mL of beetroot juice significantly reduced blood sugar up to 30 minutes following a meal compared to a control. Insulin levels were also lower after the meal.[2]
WHAT YOU CAN DO
GROW YOUR OWN BEETS
Interested in gardening and canning these healthy vegetables? This post tells you how: “Growing Beets: How to Grow Bigger, Sweeter Beets.”
Researchers believe that antioxidant compounds like polyphenols and betalains, both found in beets, are likely important in the prevention of diabetes and the control of glucose levels.[1] It seems that dietary modifications, such as eating more foods like beets, can help to lower glucose and insulin levels, which is important to prevent type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.[2]
Share Your Experience
In the comments section belowDo you eat beets for your health? Share your favorite recipes or tips for preparing these healthy superfoods.
[1] Red Beet Biotechnology. 2012, pp 155-174.
[2] Nutr J. 2013 Dec 11;12:159.
[3] J Nutr Sci. 2014 Apr 30;3:e9.
[4] Hypertension. 2010 Aug;56(2):274-81.
[5] The FASEB Journal. 2012;26:686.26.
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