by Laura Duke

Created on: August 03, 2009   Last Updated: August 05, 2009

Need to lower your blood pressure? Drink some beetroot juice. Want to reduce your risk of cancer? Put some beetroot in your salad. Need a bit of an aphrodisiac? Include some beetroot in your dinner.

Who would have thought that the humble beetroot could offer so many health benefits? Packed full of beneficial ingredients, this deep red, root vegetable really is a super food - with a long list of health benefits to prove it!

So what can this vegetable do for you? Here are just a few examples:

Lower high blood pressure (hypertension)

If you suffer from hypertension then a beet juice a day may just keep the doctor away! Studies show that drinking 500ml beetroot juice can significantly lower high blood pressure, with effects noticeable within an hour - a major discovery considering that more than a quarter of the world's adult population suffer from hypertension. Experts believe that it is the nitrate in beetroot that lowers the blood pressure, as it is turned to nitrite by the saliva.

Help lower cholesterol and fight cancer

Nowadays people are more aware of the risk of cancer than ever, and if you are looking for preventative measures then consider adding beetroot to the list. It is an excellent source of anti-oxidants and is known to help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of some cancers.

Work as an aphrodisiac

Seeing that special someone and want a bit of added stimulation? Beetroot is a source of boron, a natural aphrodisiac that helps in the production of human sex hormones.

Help prevent birth defects in unborn babies

Pregnant women can benefit by adding beetroot to their diet as it can help protect their unborn child. Folic acid is important for a healthy pregnancy and the development of unborn babies, as folate helps to prevent conditions such as Spina bifida, and beetroot is one of the richest sources of folic acid out there.

Help calcium absorption

If you're worried about osteoporosis then milk is not the only way to go. Beetroot contains the minerals magnesium and silica, both of which help to utilize calcium effectively and maintain healthy bones.

Aid weight loss

If you' re trying to lose weight, then add some beetroot to the menu. Beetroot contains ingredients that help to cleanse the liver and keep it functioning properly, which can aid with weight loss.

Prevent cognitive disorders

The anti-oxidants found in beetroot can aid the prevention of cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease by helping to reduce the number of free radicals in the body.

Almost everyone will fit into at least one of these categories at some time in their life, so add some beetroot to your shopping basket today! Just remember, that while all the properties of beetroot are highly beneficial, it is important to include a variety of fruit and veg in your diet for optimal health and wellbeing.

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