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Are beets really the vegetable Viagra, as British TV doctor Michael Mosley suggests?
Queensland:
Beetroot is in the news for all the wrong reasons. Canned beetroot has been running low on Australian supermarket shelves due to supply issues in recent months. At one point, the cans were reportedly being sold for more than $65 AUD on eBay.
But as supplies grow, we’re starting to take note of the obvious health benefits of beets.
Are beets really the vegetable Viagra, as British TV doctor Michael Mosley suggests? What about the other obvious health benefits of beets, from lowering blood pressure to improving your daily workout? Science says:
What’s so special about beets?
Beetroot is a “superfood” along with foods like berries, nuts, and leafy greens. Contains above average levels of certain vitamins and minerals per gram.
Beetroot is particularly rich in vitamins B and C, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
Most cooking methods do not significantly alter antioxidant levels. However, pressure cooking results in lower levels of carotenoids (a type of antioxidant) compared to raw beetroot.
Processing into capsules, powder, chips, or juice can affect beets’ ability to act as an antioxidant. However, this may vary between products, such as between different brands of beet juice.
Are beets really the vegetable Viagra?
It is said that the Romans used beetroot and its juice as an aphrodisiac.
However, scientific evidence that beets improve your sex life is limited. That’s not to say it isn’t. Rather, the vast number of scientific studies that have examined the effects of beets have not measured libido or other aspects of sexual health.
How could that work?
When we eat beetroot, a chemical reaction involving bacteria and enzymes converts the nitrates in the beetroot into nitrites, which then turn into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps dilate (widen) blood vessels, which may improve circulation.
The richest sources of dietary nitric oxide tested in clinical studies are beets, arugula, and spinach.
Nitric oxide is also thought to support testosterone in its role in controlling blood flow before and during sex in men.
Beetroot’s ability to improve blood flow benefits the heart and vascular circulatory system. This could theoretically have a positive impact on male and female sexual function.
Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest that there is a possibility that: moderate Although there is a link between beets and readiness for sex, don’t expect beets to change your sex life.
What else can I do?
Beetroot has attracted increasing attention in recent years due to its antioxidant and antitumor effects in humans.
Clinical trials have not tested all of the active ingredients in beets and their effects. However, beetroot may serve as a treatment for a variety of health problems related to oxidative stress and inflammation, such as cancer and diabetes. The idea is that you can take beetroot supplements alongside (but not in place of) your regular medications or eat additional beets.
There is evidence that beet juice can help lower systolic blood pressure (the first number on a blood pressure reading) by 2.73 to 4.81 mmHg (millimeters of mercury, the standard unit for measuring blood pressure) in people with high blood pressure. Some researchers say this reduction is comparable to the effects seen with certain drugs and dietary interventions.
Other studies have found that people who don’t have high blood pressure (but are at risk for it) may also benefit.
Beetroot may also improve athletic performance. Some studies have shown a slight benefit for endurance athletes (those who run, swim, or cycle long distances). These studies investigated various forms of food, including beetroot juice and beetroot-based supplements.
How to get more beets into your diet
There is scientific evidence supporting the positive effects of consuming beets whole, in juice, and in supplement form. So even if you don’t have canned beets available, there are many other ways to incorporate more beets into your diet. you can try:
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raw beets – Grate raw beets to add to salads and coleslaw, or use sliced beets as a crunchy topping for sandwiches and wraps.
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cooked beets – Roasted beets seasoned with olive oil, salt and pepper for a flavorful side dish. Alternatively, steam the beets and serve as a standalone dish or mixed into other dishes.
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beet juice – Make fresh beet juice using a juicer. It can be combined with other fruits and vegetables to add flavor. You can also make juice by mixing raw or cooked beets with water and straining it.
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smoothie – Add beets to your favorite smoothie. It goes great with fruits such as berries, apples, and oranges.
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soup – Use beets in soups for both flavor and color.Borscht is a classic beet soup, but you can also try other recipes
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pickled beets – Make pickled beets at home or buy them at the supermarket.It’s also delicious when added to salads and sandwiches.
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beetroot hummus – Stir cooked beets into homemade hummus for a vibrant and nutritious dip.Beetroot hummus is also available in supermarkets.
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grilled beets – Slicing and grilling beets creates a smoky flavor.
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beet chips – Thinly slice raw beets, toss with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and bake or dehydrate to make crunchy beet chips.
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cakes and baked goods – Add grated beets to muffins, cakes, and brownies for a moist, colorful twist.
Are there any drawbacks?
Compared to the numerous studies on the beneficial effects of beets, there is little evidence of negative side effects.
Eating large amounts of beetroot may cause your urine to turn red or purple (called beeturia). However, this is generally harmless.
Although there have been reports in some countries of beetroot-based nutritional supplements being contaminated with harmful substances, we have not seen any such reports in Australia.
What is the take-home message?
Beetroot may moderately promote sex in men and women, perhaps by aiding blood circulation. However, it is unlikely to change your sex life or act as a botanical Viagra. We know that sexual well-being has many factors. There’s only one diet.
For personalized support, talk to your GP or registered dietitian.
(author:(Lauren Ball, Professor of Community Health and Welfare, University of Queensland; Emily Birch, Lecturer, Southern Cross University)
(Disclosure statement:Lauren Ball receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Queensland Health and Mater Misericordia. She is also a Director of Dietitians Australia, a Director of the Darling Downs and Westmoreton Primary Health Network, and an Associate Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medicine. Emily Birch works at Southern Cross University)
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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