Saturday 10 December 2011

Food and Nutrition : Beets

Beets are nutritionally, a very good food to eat. In a one cup serving size, there is 74 calories, 2 grams of protein, and no cholesterol or fat. Besides this, they offer many other nutrients which I will point out throughout this article, some of the main ones and what they do for you.
Beets are rich in folate at 136 micrograms, which is excellent per cup serving. Folate is a water soluble vitamin that belongs to the B vitamin category. Folate is helpful to our cellular production as well as the prevention of anemia. It also plays an active role in the processing of homocystine which is an essential amino acid. Folate has also shown that it plays a role in the prevention of birth defects when a sufficient amount is taken by a pregnant woman.
The manganese in beets totals 0.55 milligrams per serving. Manganese is a type of trace mineral which helps your body in using all of its key nutrients. This trace mineral is also what makes the thyroid gland function at its best.
Potassium is plentiful in beets at 518.50 milligrams per serving size. Potassium is our body's central electrolyte which plays a role not only in the functions of the heart, but in other important areas. Potassium provides us with muscle energy, balances fluid levels and also helps to control the blood pressures.
Beets are a good source of fiber since they do contain 3.40 grams of this essential nutrient. Fiber provides us with roughage to the intestines, keeping us regular. It is also good for helping to prevent colon cancers, and the lowering of cholesterol.
There is some vitamin C found in beets at 6.12 milligrams per cup. Vitamin C is active for helping to build the immune system up, fighting off illnesses and disease. This vitamin can also play roles in the prevention of some cancer types as well as helping the bones build collagen, which is needed for bone mass.
Magnesium in beets totals 39.10 milligrams. Magnesium is an essential mineral for our health since it can help to control the blood pressures, and help the functions of nerves. Magnesium is also a mineral which is important for building bone mass, and working to prevent osteoporosis.
You will get some iron from eating beets at 1.34 milligrams per serving, and you'll also get copper at 0.13 milligrams. Both of these nutrients help to build red blood cells so that you are more protected against anemia. Copper is another vitamin that also plays a role in the proper function of the thyroid gland.
These are the main nutrients found in beets. If you eat these on a regular basis, you will be sure to reap the benefits!