Monday, February 6, 2012

The Vegetable Of The Week - Beets



Vegetable Information:
Beets are highly nutritious and “cardiovascular health” friendly root vegetables. Certain unique pigment antioxidants present in root as well as top greens have found to offer protection against coronary artery disease and stroke, lower cholesterol levels in the body and have anti-aging effects.
Botanically, the root vegetable belongs to the beta vulgaris species. Scientific name: Beta vulgaris. Swiss chard is another member of the beta genus grown for its edible leaves. - Nutrition & You

Nutritional Benefits:
The root is rich source of phytochemical compound Glycine Betaine. Glycine Betaine has the property of lowering homocysteine levels in the blood. Homocysteine is a highly toxic metabolite that promotes platelet clot as well as atherosclerotic-plaque formation, which is otherwise can be harmful to blood vessels. High levels of homocystiene in the blood results in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and peripheral vascular diseases. - Nutrition & You 

Glycine Betaine is also very helpful in supporting a healthy metabolism and assists people in gaining muscle weight rather than gaining fat. Glycine Betaine aids intestinal function and supports the production of new cells. When choline, folic acid and the vitamins B6 & B12 are present, the benefits of Glycine Betaine are enhanced.
Glycine Betaine is the body's source of hydrochloric acid (stomach acid). This acid has a low pH and can kill off a number of microorganisms and bacteria that may be ingested. It occurs naturally in the stomach where it breaks down proteins and fats and aids with digestion. It is essential for proper absorption of calcium, iron, and vitamin B12. - Arianna Mendez 




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