Proper nutrition is the basis of health. However, in our time, many people make a conscious choice in favor of malnutrition, forgetting that the benefits of natural vegetables and fruits are not commensurate with convenience foods. A true storehouse of health is beets, which must be present in the weekly diet of each supporter of a healthy lifestyle. Is it possible to eat raw beets and what is the use of it? What recipes exist to make a dish seem not only healthy but also tasty? Let's try to figure it out.
Useful properties of beets
Beetroot contains vitamins of groups A, C, B, as well as iodine, zinc, boron, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and many other useful trace elements. In addition, fiber, lutein, folic acid and natural antioxidants are present in large quantities in a bright vegetable. In this regard, the answer to the question of whether it is possible to eat raw beets, is unequivocal. Not just possible, but necessary!
Regular consumption of raw beets contributes to:
- heart disease prevention;
- improve liver function;
- lowering blood pressure;
- normalization of the digestive system;
- increase immunity;
- maintaining normal vision.
Contraindications
In this case, it is necessary to remember that there are a number of contraindications. So, people suffering from ulcers and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it is recommended to limit the use of fresh beets. The vegetable contains a lot of sugar, so diabetics should also refrain from excessive consumption of beetroot foods whenever possible. Another possible side effect may be the appearance of kidney stones and gall bladder.
Is it possible to eat raw beets for children
Limitations exist when answering the following question. So, can raw beets be given to children? Firstly, the vegetable is introduced into the children's diet no earlier than six months, that is, with the first complementary foods. In this case, the possibility of an allergy should be considered. In any case, the baby should not be given raw beets, it is better to subject it to heat treatment, that is, steaming. Cooking a vegetable before serving it on a children's table is a must, as raw beets:
- may contain a large amount of nitrates;
- causes irritation of the immature gastrointestinal tract of the child.
Raw Beet Recipes
If you cannot decide for yourself whether it is possible to eat raw beets, then try drinking it. Get used to beetroot juice should be gradually. First, it is mixed with other components, apple or carrots, then the proportions of the components are changed. At first, it is recommended to put the juice in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, and only then drink it. This precaution will protect your stomach from possible upsets. The combination of beets, apples, carrots and nuts is universal for creating light and fresh salads.
Is it possible to eat raw beets for those who want to lose weight? And here again all that remains is how to answer in the affirmative! There is a special two-day beetroot diet, thanks to which in just 48 hours you can part with 2-3 extra pounds. During the day it is allowed to drink an unlimited amount of liquid and not more than 2 kilograms of beets, in any form, including raw.
If this mode is too tough for you, then just try changing the usual evening meal for
beetroot salad. Preparing a diet dish is quite simple: mix 200 g of raw and 200 g of
boiled beets, season it with the juice of half a lemon and leave to brew. Additionally, for dinner, you can eat low-fat cottage cheese, yogurt or kefir.
Raw beets as a cosmetic
Now that you know whether it is possible to eat raw beets, it will be useful to learn about its other beneficial properties. A unique vegetable helps to get rid of freckles, is one of the main elements of cosmetic scrub, reduces oily skin, improves hair condition, and eliminates dandruff.