The Unbeatable Beet!!

It has been proven scientifically that high intake of plant based foods reduces the risk of cancer and other diseases. Plant based foods also provide the necessary nutrients required during the treatment for cancer. Beetroot is known to be rich in extraordinary disease and cancer fighting chemicals. Howsoever good there is a word of caution with beets also.There is no man made crimson that can match the natural color of the beets. The rich crimson color of the beets looks enchanting. Beets are known to have a long history and interesting myths associated with it. In ancient Greek and Roman mythology it was offered as food to the Gods. Apollo was offered beetroot juice as an aphrodisiac while Aphrodite relished the root to retain her

beauty. Modern research has shown that and vitamin C, farnesol, rutin, vitamin B folate, B1, B2, B6 and B12, allantoin, iron, manganese, potassium, copper, phosphorus and dietary fiber. The beet leaves provide protein, iron, calcium, beta carotene and vitamins A & C.

Beets and Health

It is important that we look at beets not only as an anti cancer diet, rather as a health promoting diet. Nutritionally packed they are known to boost strength, stamina and the immune system. While offering protection from cold and flu it lowers the body temperature. Beets are excellent for the blood system. They are known to regulate blood pressure, speed up formation of red corpuscles and reconstruct blood which means that it obstructs development of cancer cells. Mood enhancers, regular intake of beets ensures healthy nails, shiny hair and soft skin.

Beets and Cancer

Many experts who claim to use food as a medicine look at beets as one of the most powerful cancer fighting foods. The beet gets it rich color comes from betacyanins the main ingredient and powerful cancer fighting agents. Beets are rich in betalains which are powerful phytochemicals and allantoin is known to have anti tumor effects. They are also known to inhibit cell mutations occurring due to use of nitrates in foods like processed meats. Lab studies have indicated towards betanin to impede growth of tumor cells from the Breasts, Colon, Lungs, Nerves, Prostate and Stomach.

Consuming Beet

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Beets can be consumed in various forms. Juice can be extracted from them, they can be eaten as a part of salad or incorporated in your diet in various forms. We would soon share with you some interesting ways to incorporate beet in your diet.

Researchers at the Oxford Brookes University in United Kingdom have found that beetroot juice is rich in antioxidants and polyphenol. Beets are a powerful food and especially in juice form. Consuming to much of beet can lead to discomfort. It is best to start with small quantities and eventually graduate to more quantity. It can be mixed with other juices of a milder nature like carrot and cucumber. For some patients raw beet juice may not be suitable.

A word of caution

Excess of anything is bad and this may hold true in the case of beets also. Too much of beet juice may pack too much of goodness in your system and that may lead to metals accumulating in the body. While juicing fruits and vegetables it is important that hygiene conditions and precautions be taken into consideration. There are some anti-cancer diets available that are centered around beetroot. What we are suggesting here is that you make it a part of the diet in moderate quantities a and that too in consultation with your treating physician.

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The article has been contributed by Harshrekha Kapoor (a caregiver).