To BEET or NOT To BEET

Beets were already on the map for having impressive concentrations of beta carotene. What gives them this kind of power, though — no pun intended — stems from nitrates also found in dark, leafy greens , such as spinach. Once eaten, bacteria on your tongue turns first into nitrite, but then converts to nitric oxide.

Many of the benefits of beets are due to their high nitrate content. Your body transforms nitrates into nitic oxide, which enhances oxygenation and has a beneficial impact on your circulatory system

Beets are very high in sugars, so if you’re insulin resistant, diabetic, or are in the initial stages of nutritional ketosis, fermented beets and beet juice may be preferable, as virtually all sugar is eliminated during fermentation

It's this molecule that effectively gives weak muscles strength, explains another study coauthor, Linda Peterson. Regarding similar clinical tests on the power of beets conducted at Exeter University in the U.K., Runner's World explained how this works:

"Beets are a great source of inorganic nitrate. Some of the nitrate ends up in your saliva, when friendly bacteria convert it to nitrite. Elsewhere in the body, the nitrite is converted to nitric oxide, which does ... well ... a whole bunch of things related to blood flow, muscle contraction, neurotransmission, and so on.

Exactly which mechanisms contribute to the performance boost they see in studies remains unclear (and in fact, there are likely multiple mechanisms). One caveat: mess with the friendly bacteria in your mouth by swishing mouthwash or chewing gum, and the nitrate never gets converted to nitrite."

Getting to the 'Root' of the Power

Several manufacturers have found ways to liquefy beetroots and concentrate the nitrate into beetroot juice "shots." Researchers used a beet juice product manufactured in Britain using concentrated amounts of beet juice so it can be taken without stomach troubles. Referred to as a supplement and now also produced in the U.S., it's sold in 70 ml shots (between half- and one-third-cup quantities), each equal to 300 ml of straight beet juice in regard to the nitrate.

Measurements of the breakdown product of the nitrate in the participants' blood indicated that these participants absorbed the nitrate from the drink and converted it to nitrite, the precursor to nitric oxide,

There's also organic beet juice, but several U.S. companies have jumped on the bandwagon, so beet juice cocktails are sold in a number of stores, including Wal-Mart and Whole Foods. An article on Competitor.com listed five beet juice products designed for endurance athletes, including a "sport bar" and nitrate crystals from beetroots and other veggies that are added to water.

"Due to increased media attention on the super vegetable and its perceived benefits for endurance, beetroot juice has become vogue among athletes of all levels. The Auburn University football team drinks it. Retired American long-distance runner Ryan Hall has said he consumes it. So do top professional cyclists. And its surge in popularity with the general public is reflective in the market, which now has plenty of options geared specifically toward athletes."

Since the 90's researchers have clued in on the nutritional benefits of beets, particularly in exercise and sexual health.. When you consume beets the Nitrates get's converted to Nitrites and then to Nitric Oxide..There are many companies now that are trying to "isolate" the "active" ingredient.. Results have not been to good as they are not seeing the full benefits with the isolates..

What they are now thinking it is the SYNERGY between the Boron , Vit C,

Polyphenols and other compounds in the beets that are responsible for the health benefits..

Beets, cactus fruit — aka prickly pear — and another cacti called red pitahaya, or dragon fruit, are foods that have attracted a lot of attention in recent years due to their high concentration of a powerful compound called betalain. The term betalain is derived from the Latin name for beet, Beta vulgaris, which is where it was first found. Both beets and dark red or purple cactus fruit contain high amounts of betalain, used for years as a natural, betalain has been recognized for its powerful natural antioxidants.

·        Provide soluble fiber, which helps optimize cholesterol

·        Provide carotenoids and flavonoids, which benefit heart health

·        Protect your cells from toxins, especially in the brain

·        Protect your liver from toxins

·        Contain both potassium and magnesium

Betalains assist the body in a total transformation by neutralizing toxins and supporting the cell’s natural detoxification process. By preventing toxins from accumulating and preserving the integrity of the cell, chronic inflammation can be avoided. Betalains also reduce the enzymes responsible for causing inflammation. This protein/antioxidant complex greatly assists in improved health and a longer life.

There are twenty four (24) separate components, and each one supplies a specific structure and function to every cell. They provide a reward system for cells distressed by toxins and internal deficiencies. This helps to counteract premature aging by strengthening the cell wall. As a result the cell is rehydrated.

This is how things work in nature..Bottom line, eat the whole beet, whole foods and forget about the useless isolates..

Raw beets have been shown to have a very potent impact on your cardiovascular health, lowering blood pressure by an average of four to five points in just a few hours.

Some studies have shown a glass of beet juice can lower systolic blood pressure by more than eight points which is far more than some blood pressure medications! This effect is due to the naturally-occurring nitrates in beets, which are converted into nitric oxide in your body.

Nitric oxide is a soluble gas that's continually produced from the amino acid L-arginine, inside your cells. This gas plays an important role in supporting normal endothelial function and protecting your cells' powerhouses, the mitochondria. It is also a potent vasodilator.

By relaxing and dilating your blood vessels, nitric oxide improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure. In conventional medicine, nitrates are used to treat angina and congestive heart failure, and research shows a glass of beetroot juice has the same effect as prescription nitrates.

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas or sweet air, is a chemical compound with the formula N2O. It is used in surgery and dentistry for its anesthetic and analgesic effects. It is known as "laughing gas" due to the euphoric effects of inhaling it.

Nitric Oxide (NO) is a gas that serves as a signaling or messenger molecule in every cell of your body. Hence, it's involved in a wide variety of physiological and pathological processes.

References

Beet Juice: How Much and When?

5 Beet Juice Products for Endurance Athletes

·        Nutr J. 2012 Dec 11;11:106

·         Seattle Times April 16, 2017

·         Essentialstuff.org April 28, 2014

·        Wellness Guide Blog May 18, 2011

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The information on this POST is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional advice .All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this article is for general information purposes / educational purposes only, and to ensue discussion or debate.

Thank you …. Fermenting your beets gives you all the health-boosting benefits of raw beets — and then some.