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Beets are a rich source of natural sugar and various nutrients, including potassium, phosphorus, chlorine, iodine, iron, and sodium. They also contain the phytochemical betaine, which helps the liver process fat and aids in preventing excessive triglyceride and LDL cholesterol accumulation in the blood. Beet juice reportedly can help reduce blood pressure, and the vegetable’s high iron content makes it good for fighting anemia.
According to Mikhail Tombak, PhD, author of Cure the Incurable, beet juice purifies and builds up the blood by creating red blood cells. Tombak also explains that beet juice can dissolve kidney and bladder stones. These properties are likely associated with the presence of potassium and choline. In addition, the red pigment in beets elevates antioxidant enzyme levels in the liver and may help detoxify the blood, liver, and intestinal tract.
In a study conducted in rats, researchers found that red beet fiber reduced cholesterol levels. (Bobek 2000) The potential of beet root as a cancer fighter was noted in a Cancer Letters report on an animal study in which the researchers reported that “The combined findings suggest that beetroot ingestion can be one of the useful means to prevent cancer.” (Kapadia 1996) In the Howard University study, the researchers found that beet root extract inhibited tumor activity for both skin and lung cancer.
Beet root powder is available as a supplement and is sometimes an ingredient in combination supplement products. Consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider to determine the dose that best suits your needs.
References
Bobek P, Galbavy S, Mariassyova M. The effect of red beet (Beta vulgaris var. rubra) fiber on alimentary hypercholesterolemia and chemically induced colon carcinogenesis in rats. Nahrung 2000 Jun; 44(3): 184-87.
Kapadia GJ et al. Chemoprevention of lung and skin cancer by beta vulgaris (beet) root extract. Cancer Letters 1996 Feb. 27; 100(1-2): 211-14.
Tombak, Mikhail. Cure the Incurable. Healthy Life Press, 2005.
