Boiled beets: benefits and harms, rules for use
Beetroot dishes are very tasty and extremely healthy. This article will talk about the benefits and harms of boiled beets for the body, as well as the rules for storing this vegetable.
Composition and nutritional value
Representatives of traditional medicine call beets a real “plant pharmacy”. When considering the chemical composition of root crops, many elements from the famous periodic table of Mendeleev can be found in it.
So, the roots contain:
- sodium;
- chromium;
- potassium;
- boron;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- chlorine;
- manganese;
- sulfur;
- phosphorus;
- iodine;
- copper;
- nickel.
People who carefully monitor their diet and adhere to the calculation of the main nutrients in the composition of the products, be sure to take into account KBZhU. The content of carbohydrates and calories in raw and boiled root vegetables varies. So, the calorie content of 100 grams of raw beets is only 40 kilocalories. After heat treatment, due to the fact that root crops contain sugary substances, the calorie content of vegetables increases and is already 48-50 kcal per 100 grams.
Carbohydrates make up the main energy value of the BJU product. In 100 grams of boiled vegetables, their content is 9-11 g.It will not be possible to saturate the cells of the body with proteins and fats when using boiled root crops, since these nutrients are practically not contained in them. 100 grams of boiled root vegetables contain only 1.6-1.8 g of protein and 0.1 g of fat.
People who monitor their weight carefully evaluate the glycemic index. This indicator shows how quickly the carbohydrates contained in a particular food product will be absorbed into the blood. The glycemic index of raw vegetables is somewhat lower compared to boiled ones. This figure for raw beets is 30 units. The glycemic index of boiled vegetables is already 65 units, that is, twice as high.
Juicy root vegetables not only contain vitamins, but also a lot of dietary fiber. They are needed to maintain the good functioning of the colon. Dietary fiber that enters the intestines during digestion gently cleanses the intestinal walls of food debris. Mixing with water, they contribute to the normalization of the stool.
Vegetable fiber is an important component of any proper diet. It helps to improve the growth of "beneficial" microbes that live in the intestines and are needed for good digestion. If the number of “good” microorganisms decreases, and the pathogenic microflora grows, then such changes can cause the development of dysbacteriosis and other pathologies.
Boiled root crops also contain starch. This polysaccharide in the process of metabolism in the body turns into sugar - glucose, which is used for all body cells. Beetroot jelly, made from sweet root vegetables, helps to normalize bowel function.
Beneficial features
Boiled beets contain beta-carotene.This component improves vision, and is also needed for healthy skin, hair and nails. Beta-carotene also helps boost the immune system.
Contained in boiled root crops and folic acid. It is necessary for the good functioning of the hematopoietic system. Doctors say that the regular use of folic acid is of great benefit to the body, as it helps reduce the risk of developing many dangerous blood diseases.
Eating dishes from boiled root vegetables even helps to reduce the risk of developing iron deficiency anemia.
Minerals, which are found in certain proportions in root crops, help improve metabolic rates. These components can affect the acid-base balance in the body. This indicator is very important, since with its significant change, the likelihood of the formation of dangerous pathologies increases.
People who consume beets almost every day report that they feel much better. Minerals contained in root crops contribute to increased endurance and even increased stress resistance. The potassium contained in vegetables normalizes the functioning of the heart muscle (myocardium), helping to increase exercise tolerance.
Boiled beets contain polysaccharides that can affect the functioning of the pancreas. This should be remembered by people who suffer from pancreatitis. Before including boiled root vegetables in their diet, they should discuss this with an endocrinologist.
Boiled beets help to normalize metabolic processes in the body, and also helps to eliminate unnecessary decay products formed during the vital activity of organs.
The systematic use of dishes from boiled root crops also helps to get rid of toxins that can lead to the development of pathological conditions.
Root vegetables contain active substances that have anti-inflammatory effects. Traditional medicine experts recommend eating boiled root crops for many diseases that are accompanied by a protracted inflammatory process.
Boiled beets contain components that improve women's health. Regular consumption of boiled root vegetables helps to reduce the severity of symptoms that bring discomfort to women with premenstrual syndrome. In order to improve well-being during the days of menstruation, you can include salads from boiled beets already from the middle of the menstrual cycle. This will make it easier to endure PMS, as well as improve well-being during menstruation.
Boiled beets contain not only substances that weaken. Root crops also contain components that have a diuretic (diuretic) effect on the body. The removal of excess fluid from the body also contributes to the reduction of edema.
Contain root crops and iodine. It is no coincidence that the use of boiled beetroot salads is a good prevention of the development of many pathologies accompanied by iodine deficiency. Regular consumption of boiled root vegetables helps to improve the functioning of the thyroid gland.
This contributes to the fact that thyroid hormones "come" back to normal, and the hormonal background as a whole is normalized.
Boiled beets are relatively safe foods that can be consumed during pregnancy.Moreover, there are dishes prepared from boiled root vegetables, you can at a variety of times. Adding boiled beets to the menu helps reduce the risk of constipation. Salads made from boiled beets and carrots do not belong to dishes that strengthen the stool. Boiled root vegetables also contain minerals that help reduce the risk of developing iron deficiency anemia, a pathology that is recorded in pregnant women quite often.
It is better for expectant mothers to cook or bake beets. After such heat treatment, it is absorbed by the body much easier. When using heat-treated root crops, be sure to remember the measure.
Excessive consumption of salads made from boiled beets can lead to frequent stools.
Boiled beets are also recommended for various liver diseases. In the composition of root crops, scientists have discovered a special substance - betaine. This component in its chemical structure belongs to the group of glycine derivatives.
The fact that betaine is good for the liver, researchers started talking relatively recently. They note that this component is a catalyst in the synthesis of special components necessary for building liver cells. Also, this substance is able to activate the formation of phospholipids, which causes the special hepatoprotective properties of betaine. It also contributes to the normalization of metabolism.
Fatty hepatosis is a pathology, which, unfortunately, is quite often recorded in people of working age. The development of this disease leads to malnutrition, as well as the abuse of bad habits.The danger of fatty hepatosis is that in the absence of diet therapy, this pathology can lead to chronic hepatitis.
In order to reduce the likelihood of such a complication, a person suffering from fatty hepatosis should consume beetroot salads at least twice a week.
Betaine and healthy mineral salts contained in boiled root vegetables will help improve liver function and normalize its functions.
Dishes from boiled beets also contribute to the improvement of bile excretion. They are even thought to help reduce the risk of developing gallstones. That is why boiled beet salads are recommended for people who have a high risk of developing this pathology. Boiled root crops also contain components that can have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gallbladder. With regular use of salads from boiled beets, the likelihood of developing bile stasis is reduced.
It is better to buy beets in season. During the cooking process, of course, some of the nutrients are lost, but the main minerals still remain. Fresh, freshly harvested root crops contain more useful components for the body than vegetables after several months of storage.
Fresh root vegetables are ideal for preparing a huge number of delicious vegetable dishes.
Harm and contraindications
Boiled beets in some situations can bring harm to the body. In most cases, adverse symptoms appear in people who consume boiled root vegetables, having contraindications to their intake.
Boiled beets should not be eaten by people suffering from intestinal diseases, accompanied by frequent stools.Boiled root vegetables contain a lot of plant fibers, which increase the severity of this adverse symptom. Also, you should not eat boiled beets and people who have just undergone surgery on the abdominal organs. An unhealed stomach ulcer is another contraindication to the use of root crops.
Boiled root crops are also contraindicated during exacerbation of gastritis. Even when boiled, organic acids remain in the root crops, which can provoke the appearance of pain in the epigastrium. There are salads and dishes made from boiled beets, you can only after improving health and the transition of the disease from the stage of exacerbation to remission.
People suffering from urolithiasis should definitely discuss this with their doctor before eating dishes from boiled root crops. Boiled beets contain active substances that can affect the composition of urinary sediment and urine pH.
Such specific changes can lead to the appearance of sand in the renal tissue, and subsequently even stones.
It is extremely dangerous to eat boiled beets for people suffering from kidney failure. This pathology is characterized by impaired functioning of the kidneys, which leads to a decrease in their ability to fully cleanse the blood of various metabolites. Boiled root vegetables contain components that can affect the functioning of the kidneys. People suffering from renal insufficiency and especially those who are forced to attend hemodialysis should definitely discuss this with a nephrologist before including beetroot dishes in their menu.
Boiled root vegetables contain quite a lot of natural sugars. Such carbohydrates are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, which contributes to the rise in blood glucose levels.This should not be forgotten by people with diabetes. In order to avoid the development of complications of this disease, before adding starchy vegetables to their menu, including beets, they should definitely consult an endocrinologist.
Cases of allergies to boiled beets are rarely recorded in medical practice. However, it is impossible to completely exclude the possibility of allergic symptoms after eating boiled root crops. Allergy after eating dishes from boiled beets can appear at any age. Boiled root crops should be introduced into the baby's diet gradually and carefully, the time of introducing such vegetable complementary foods must be agreed with the pediatrician.
Individual intolerance to beets is another contraindication for the use of this vegetable. This disease persists in humans throughout life.
If you find an individual intolerance to beets, you should immediately exclude this vegetable from your menu.
How to cook?
Boiled root vegetables can be prepared in many ways. The most commonly used method is boiling root vegetables in cold water on the stove. The cooking time for vegetables in this case is about two hours. Root vegetables should be cooked on low heat. The final cooking time of vegetables depends on their variety and size.
You can also boil beets using a slow cooker. This method is suitable for people who prefer to use modern technical devices.
Beets can be boiled whole or cut into pieces.
In what quantity is there?
When eating boiled beets, you should always remember the quantity. It is better to eat up to 250 grams of root crops per day.In this case, the risk of adverse symptoms will be quite low.
Against the background of the use of boiled beets and dishes prepared from it, it is necessary to monitor the frequency of the stool. So, if against the background of taking such a number of boiled root crops, it has become frequent, then in this case the amount of beets should be reduced.
Effect on pressure
You can eat beets for hypertension both raw and ready-made. Root vegetables can be baked if desired. When boiling beets, people suffering from hypertension should definitely monitor the amount of salt added. A large amount of it contributes to fluid retention and the appearance of edema, which will also contribute to an increase in pressure.
The insidiousness of pathologies accompanied by high blood pressure lies in the fact that the risk of developing dangerous vascular complications during their development is quite high. So, in a person who has been suffering from hypertension for a long time, heart rhythm disturbances may develop.
The use of dishes from boiled beets helps to reduce the likelihood of developing such pathologies.
Boiled beets contain nicotinic acid, which helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels. In order to improve the tone of the vessels, it is necessary to eat dishes from boiled root crops regularly. Vegetable fiber contained in beets helps to reduce the concentration of cholesterol. This is an excellent prevention of the development of hypercholesterolemia - a pathology that exacerbates the development of hypertension.
One of the possible complications of hypertension, especially with kidney damage, is edema. Edema occurs most often on the face. Boiled beets contain substances that help remove excess fluid from the body.This leads to a decrease in edema, and also favorably affects blood pressure.
Can a breastfeeding mother eat?
The nutrition of a breastfeeding mother is very important. During the period of breastfeeding, a woman who is breastfeeding her baby should exclude from her menu all possible vegetables that can provoke allergic symptoms and abdominal cramps in her crumbs. A difficult issue when compiling a menu is the possibility of including various vegetables in it.
In beets, of course, there are substances that can provoke the appearance of skin rashes in a baby, but this is quite rare. It is still possible to add boiled beetroot dishes to your menu in a small amount for a nursing mother.
It is better to consult a doctor before doing this.
When using salads from boiled beets, you should monitor the condition of the skin and the well-being of the baby. If the crumbs have reddened cheeks, skin itching and severe peeling of the skin, then in this case the child should definitely be shown to the pediatrician.
A nursing mother should not rush to introduce boiled beets into the diet. Pediatricians recommend introducing salads from boiled root vegetables into the menu of a nursing mother only by 2-3 months of a baby's life. This will protect the baby from the appearance of colic and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Should I include it in my weight loss diet?
Boiled beets can be used for a fasting day. For one day of eating only one boiled root crops, you can lose up to 500 grams, as well as reduce swelling. Such fasting days can only be spent by people who are not prone to diarrhea.
Eating boiled beets during a diet is often not necessary.In this form, the root crop contains quite a lot of starch and natural sugars. These components quickly enter the bloodstream, which leads to a compensatory release of insulin. Such changes do not contribute to rapid weight loss.
For people who are on a diet, it is better to eat raw beets.
How to store?
Boiled beets can be saved. The refrigerator is the best for this. The shelf life of boiled root crops in a cold place can be 5-7 days. Some housewives note that in the refrigerator they can keep beets even up to ten days. Note that such long-term storage can lead to the fact that in boiled root crops there will be practically no components useful for the body, therefore, if possible, store boiled vegetables in the refrigerator for no more than 2-3 days.
Interestingly, boiled beets can be frozen in the freezer. This method is more suitable for those who want to significantly extend the shelf life of boiled root crops. In the freezer, boiled vegetables can last up to 65-75 days.
Interesting information about beets is given in the following video.