Beetroot, or beets, are an often ignored, but amazing health-promoting vegetable. From purifying the blood and liver, to providing an energy boost and detoxifying the body, beets are one vegetable that should be a regular addition to your diet.

The scholar Ibn al-Qayyim in his Prophetic medicine mentioned some of the health benefits of the vegetable. He said that the juice of the black beet (most likely what we know as beetroot or garden beet), was beneficial for hair loss, freckles, warts and killing lice. He also mentioned that when beet was used as an ointment with honey, it was beneficial for any of various skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis.

Some health Benefits

Beets help cleanse the blood and create more red blood cells. They are useful for treating and curing anemia. Heavy daily beet consumption has even been used to treat leukemia and other cancers. Some specific anti-carcinogens are bound to the red coloring matter, and beets have also been found to increase the cellular intake of oxygen by as much as 400 percent.

Beets are an effective and natural way to detoxify the liver. Betaine found in beets is the substance that encourages the liver cells to get rid of toxins. Additionally, betaine acts to defend the liver and bile ducts, which is important if the liver is to function properly. Beetroot juice allows the betaine to stay intact, and is a great way to enjoys beets.

Beet greens are equally valuable, containing Beta-carotene and other carotenoids, lots of folate, potassium, some iron and Vitamin C, all which makes the roots and green excellent for women planning pregnancy, women in general and for anyone suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.

A mixture of beetroot juice, carrot, apple and celery juice provides a healthful energy boost and is an excellent treatment for chronic fatigue, ME and other debilitating illnesses. Beet juice is also alkaline, so it staves of acidosis in the body, a precursor for many diseases.

Preparation

Beets are highly nutritious when eaten raw in a salad, or boiled or baked in their skins. Juicing raw beets is another healthful way to enjoy this vegetable. The leaves can be cooked like spinach, steamed or stir-fried.

Red coloring in the stool or urine is not uncommon after consuming beets, and is perfectly harmless.