Beetroot salad is not only a tasty and aromatic dish, but also an extremely healthy one that works like a real medicine.
The substance that gives the beetroot its blood-red color is called betalaine, and its presence, which is quite sensitive to boiling and extremely sensitive to cooking, is responsible for many of the vegetable’s anti-tumor and antioxidant properties.
As such, beetroot should not be eaten cooked, but only boiled, and not anyway, but only blanched, and only until soft (check by pricking with a fork).
No more! After boiling, grate the beetroot, add 1-3 grated horseradish roots, then salt, oil and apple cider vinegar to taste. Add a little honey, then mix the ingredients well and put them in a sealed jar with a lid.
The beetroot salad can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks, during which time it will retain its therapeutic properties.
It is an excellent remedy against colds, bronchitis, rhino-urinary diseases. During the holidays, beetroot salad with horseradish is a must on the table of many Romanians, because it increases digestive capacity and prevents all kinds of digestive disorders, such as gastritis, dyspepsia or bloating.
Other benefits of beetroot:
Fights anaemia
Beetroot contains a wide range of vitamins, minerals and active substances. These include iron, but also folic acid – important in the production of red blood cells in the blood-forming bone marrow.
- Protects the liver
Liver problems can be improved by eating beetroot. Thus fatty liver (hepatic steatosis), tired liver, sluggish liver or even in infectious conditions such as hepatitis red beetroot helps improve cell metabolism and prolongs the life of hepatocytes (liver cells).
- Keeps the heart healthy
According to a 2010 Queen Mary University study, a 250ml glass of beetroot juice a day significantly lowers blood pressure. The higher the blood pressure, the greater the drop.
If widely consumed, red beetroot could reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease by 10%, researchers believe.
Prevents cancer
Betacyanin, which gives red its colour, is a powerful antioxidant with cancer-preventing properties.
Howard University research has shown that betacyanin slowed tumour progression in prostate and breast cancer by 12.5%.
- Fights depression
Recent research has shown that red beetroot has the power to control mood, thanks to the betaine it contains, which is known to relax the mind and relieve depression.
- Increases stamina
Red beetroot juice increases the body’s physical endurance, helping people to extend their exercise programme by 16%, according to a UK study.
A team of researchers at the University of Exeter found that the nitrate in red beetroot helps reduce oxygen consumption – making exercise less tiring.
- Stimulates the brain
A 2011 Wake Forest University study found that red beetroot can prevent the progression of dementia. This is made possible by nitric oxide, which increases blood flow to the brain.
The high level of folic acid they contain (about 75% of the recommended daily allowance) 2-3 large beets also play an important role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease
Benefits of beetroot juice:
Betacyanin, a substance found in beetroot, helps remove toxins from the body and prevent cancer!
Helps heal gall bladder disease, lower cholesterol levels and cure gout.
Prevents blood clots and cholesterol build-up on blood vessels.
Rich in vitamins such as B1, B2, B2, C and folic acid, which are extremely beneficial for the body.
Contains amino acids, essential in the development and maintenance of muscle tissue.
Contains iodine, known for its beneficial effects on the thyroid gland.
The high potassium content in beetroot helps strengthen the heart muscle.
Red beetroot juice is also known to lower blood pressure and therefore prevent heart attacks and cardiovascular disease.
