Beets are highly nutritious and loaded with health-promoting properties. They can support the health of your brain, heart, and digestive system, be a great addition to a balanced diet, boost athletic performance, help alleviate inflammation, and possibly slow the growth of cancer cells.
Researchers found that people who drank 250 milliliters (or about 8.4 ounces) of beet juice daily lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Nitrates, compounds in beet juice that convert into nitric oxide in the blood and help widen and relax blood vessels, are thought to be the cause.
Protecting the liver
Beetroot juice contains antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin B-6, and iron. These compounds help protect the liver from inflammation and oxidative stress while enhancing its ability to remove toxins from the body.
Is beet juice always bad for kidneys? Actually, it's not. Unless a person is at risk for kidney stones, beets may be key to reducing the risk of renal (kidney) failure during and after a heart x-ray.
May Increase Kidney Stone Risk
According to Clinical Nutrition Research, beets are rich in oxalate and may contribute to stone formation (1). If you already have stones, your doctor might recommend you to stop or reduce beetroot/beetroot juice consumption.
Another effective cleansing agent for the kidneys is cranberry juice which supports the urinary tract, fights urinary tract infections and removes excess calcium oxalate.
Beetroot is said to have a hepatoprotective effect and it effectively keeps away fat from depositing in the liver. This is probably due to the presence of betaine in beetroot which is a methyl group donor in the liver transmethylation process.
Studies show that by expanding the blood vessels, the nitrates in beetroot juice supply more blood and oxygen to the heart. Not only does beetroot juice dilate blood vessels to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, it also reduces the amount of oxygen muscles need during physical activity.
Dr. Saini also suggests that it is best to have beetroot juice early morning or one hour before your breakfast. “Drink a 200 ml glass of beetroot juice every day to reap all its benefits.
How long does it take for beetroot juice to work? Beetroot juice takes 2-3 hours to work and may have an impact after 24 hours, according to 2015 research. During that period, beet juice improves blood circulation, reduces high pressure, improves digestive tracts, and detoxifies the body.
Drinking beet juice is a great way to detoxify your liver and rid your body of excess toxins. Create a smoothie with beets and other cleansing ingredients to naturally detox your body.
A shot of beetroot juice can boost blood flow, reduce arterial stiffness and boost nitrate absorption nine-fold, a study from the University of the Sunshine Coast has found. And that's good news for those hoping to avoid cardiovascular disease.
Beetroot helps detox the body
On the same note, beetroot helps in whole body detoxification. It's a great purifier and does so by pulling toxins into the colon where they can then be evacuated.
May improve digestive health
One cup of beetroot contains 3.4 grams of fiber, making beets a good fiber source ( 1 ). Fiber bypasses digestion and travels to the colon, where it feeds friendly gut bacteria and adds bulk to stools ( 21 ).
Reduce or remove toxins from your daily routine.
Reducing or eliminating all animal protein, alcohol, sugar, wheat, corn, soy, tobacco, processed foods, caffeine, and nuts will give your liver a much-needed break to do some long-overdue house cleaning.
The beet test allows you to get a sense of whether you fall into that ideal 12-24 hour range, since you'll be able to see the bright red pigment in your stools. Fiery red poop 24 hours or more later means you've got a “slow transit time,” also known as constipation—a common result of the beet test.
You will experience physical signs your liver is healing, such as healthier-looking skin and eyes, increased energy levels, and reduced stomach pain and swelling. Other signs your liver is healing include: Improved amino-acid regulation – Your liver processes proteins and amino acids that your body cannot store.
While plain water is the best drink for your kidneys, other fluids are perfectly acceptable, including coffee, green tea, low-potassium juices, and infused water. Avoid sweetened, carbonated beverages and coconut water.
You can “unclog” your arteries with natural methods, including diet, exercise, and stress management. Quitting smoking, if you smoke, can also help reverse plaque.