After Reading This, You’ll Never Look At Beets The Same Way Again

Beets are really unique healing vegetables. 

 Their nutritional value is kept both raw and cooked. In ancient times, Hippocrates viewed beets as a medicinal plant. Throughout centuries beets were used to treat many diseases. Beets have been used  in the treatment of blood disorders such as iron deficiency – anemia. Beets contain a lot of iron, of all plant products iron content of the beets is the second to garlic. And the iodine content of the beets is the second to Kale. Beets not only provide your body with important nutrients and stimulate your metabolism but also saturate the body with powerful  powerful antioxidants that are prevalent in red beets.

Reasons why you should include beets in your diet

·         Beets contain polyphenols and betalains which reverse the effect of free radical damage and oxidative stress in people.

·         Beets contain various vitamins: B complex vitamins, PP which strengthen capillary walls.

·         Beets contain a lot of minerals – potassium and folate, which aid in healthy heart; magnesium, which aids in bone health; iron and phosphorus which produce energy;  copper, which destroys free radicals; iodine which is involved in the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones, and magnesium.

·         Beets contain cobalt which  promotes the formation of vitamin B12 (which is synthesized by intestinal microflora. Without this vitamin and folic acid the  formation of red blood cells would be impossible.

·         Beets rejuvenate our bodies due to folic acid, which contributes to the creation of new cells.

·         Beets remove toxins from our bodies due to betalin pigments.

·         Beets contain betacyanins, which inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

·         Beets improve digestion due to the dietary fiber.

·         Beets stimulate metabolism.

·         Beets help digest Vitamin D in our bodies.

·         Beets help prevent dementia due to high concentration of nitrates which transformed in the mouth  into nitrites. Researched have showed that nitrites  open up the blood vessels in the body which increases blood flow and helps oxygen to get to to oxygen lacking areas.

·         Beets contain pectin which is in greater numbers than in carrots or apples. Pectin deals  with  excretion of radioactive and heavy metals from the body. In addition, pectin also inhibits the spread  of harmful intestinal bacteria and prevents the development of a whole range of diseases.

As you can see beets possess a plethora of medicinal and healing properties which  also include  lowering the amount of cholesterol, blood pressure, strengthening capillary vessels, providing anti-sclerotic effect and improving brain and liver function, and  help improve fat metabolism.

http://www.themindawakened.com/2014/11/after-reading-this-youll-never-look-at.html#torfDi8S6a12bmdv.99

Edible Aphrodisiacs

History has woven quite a collection of folklore, mythology and superstition around the sexual nature of food. If you look hard enough, you’ll discover that pretty much every food has been touted as an aphrodisiac at one point or another in history. The connection makes sense on a certain level—eating is a primal need associated with pleasure, somewhat akin to arousal. While most of aphrodisiac mythology stems from foods with symbolic colors or shapes, certain foods do contain properties that stimulate pleasure centers in the brain. Whether or not these foods can actually enhance amorous feelings is up for debate.
 I decided to delve into the libidinous culinary lore of aphrodisiacs. I’ve included a recipe with each food item, providing a colorful menu of options for a romantic, sensual meal. Try a few and see if sparks fly for you!

Pomegranate

Some say the forbidden fruit of the Bible was not an apple, but a pomegranate fruit. The word aphrodisiac originates with the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, and she is credited in Greek mythology with planting the first pomegranate tree. Because of their many seeds, pomegranates are often associated with fertility and abundance. The pomegranate appears as a romantic symbol in sonnets and literature dating back centuries. More recently in 2011, a small study by Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh found that drinking pomegranate juice daily lowered cortisol levels, which can correspond with increased testosterone in both men and women. Elevated testosterone can lead to heightened moods and increased sexual desire. That said, the study was funded in part by a brand called Pomegreat, so take the results with a grain of salt.

Recipe Suggestion: Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail

Asparagus

For centuries, cultures all over the globe have lauded the aphrodisiac qualities of asparagus. The Greeks spoke of it in love poetry, the Kama Sutra advised drinking it as a paste and Chinese literature claimed it as a sexual food. It is said the French once dined on three meals of asparagus the day before their wedding in hopes of increasing their libido for the big night ahead. Aside from its obviously phallic shape, asparagus is also packed with calcium, vitamin E and potassium, which aid in cleansing the kidneys and urinary tract as well as giving a dose of extra energy. The aspartic acid found in asparagus helps to neutralize excess ammonia in our bodies, which can lead to fatigue and sexual disinterest. We certainly wouldn’t want that on a romantic evening, would we?

Recipe Suggestion: Roasted Sesame Asparagus

Beets

Beets have long been considered an aphrodisiac in many cultures. Ancient Romans believed that beets and their juice promoted amorous feelings. Frescoes of beets decorate the walls of the Lupanare brothel in Pompeii. In Greek mythology Aphrodite ate beets to enhance her appeal. This quaint folklore actually has some basis in reality. Beets are a natural source of tryptophan and betaine, both substances that promote a feeling of well-being. They also contain high amounts of boron, a trace mineral that increases the level of sex hormones in the human body.

Recipe Suggestion: Roasted Beets with Tahini and Pine Nuts

Coffee

While coffee doesn’t normally come to mind when we think of aphrodisiacs, its ability to give us extra pep cannot be denied. Who can resist the morning scent of freshly brewed coffee? In fact, the scent was found to be a major turn on for women in a study conducted by Mindlab International Laboratory in Sussex, UK. Coffee’s hefty dose of caffeine boosts heart rate and increases blood flow, while its alkaloids can help to maintain sexual performance while also increasing stamina. In addition to all of this, it makes us happy – and a rewarding rush of dopamine is never a bad thing. Just make sure you stick to regular coffee and espresso for your daily boost. A coffee recently marketed to enhance your sex life may in fact be dangerous to your health.

Recipe Suggestion: Rum and Coffee Brisket 

Strawberries

The heart-shaped strawberry was once known as a symbol of Venus, the Roman goddess of love. For a time the ancient Greeks forbade the eating of strawberries and all other red foods, which led many to believe that the mysterious berries held great powers. Though they may not possess any magical secrets, the antioxidants and phytochemicals in strawberries help to reduce joint inflammation. Their beautiful color, sweet flavor and shape make them the perfect treat for sharing with your beloved at a seductive meal. If you come across a double strawberry, be sure to break it in half with someone special… an old legend promises that this will bring true love.

Recipe Suggestion: Chocolate Dipped Strawberries 

Honey

It’s not hard to understand why honey has been considered an aphrodisiac for centuries. The very word “honeymoon” stems from the hope for a sweet marriage. Some say honey’s romantic reputation comes from an ancient custom in which newly married couples drank mead, a fermented beverage made with honey, until the first moon of their new union.Hippocrates prescribed honey for sexual vigor. According to an old French wives’ tale, a bee sting was supposedly like being given a shot of pure aphrodisiac. Honey contains boron, which may regulate hormone levels, and nitric oxide, which is released in the blood during arousal. It’s also a symbol of fertility and procreation in some cultures.

Recipe Suggestion: Challah Bruschetta with Lemon, Ricotta and Honey

Artichokes

Greek mythology holds Zeus responsible for the creation of the artichoke. After being rejected by a beautiful young woman, the god turned his object of affection into a thorny and difficult thistle. Tough on the outside and soft on the inside, artichokes are well versed in the game of hard-to-get, but their history as an aphrodisiac is mostly due to folklore. Catherine de Medici, known for her insatiable appetite for both food and romance, brought artichokes to France when she married Henry II. 17th century French writer and sexologist Dr. Nicolas Venette reported that Swedish women who were feeling neglected in the bedroom would serve their husbands artichokes in an effort to increase their desire and stamina. Whether you believe in the romantic power of the artichoke or not, eating one certainly won’t hurt. They’re packed with healthy antioxidants and they’re delicious too!

Recipe Suggestion: Grilled Artichokes 

Avocado

When Montezuma shared avocados with Cortez and his fellow conquistadors, the Aztecs explained that their name, ahucatl (also meaning testicle), came not only from their physical appearance, but also because of their ability to incite sexual passion. The Aztecs believed in the aphrodisiac power of the ahucatl so much that they would not allow virginal women to leave the house while they were being harvested. When Louis XIV found his aging libido in need of reviving, he turned to the exotic avocado for help, nicknaming the fruit la bonne poire(the good pear). The Sun King may have been on to something, as avocados are rich in vitamin E, which boosts the immune system and helps give skin a youthful appearance.

Recipe Suggestion: Roasted Asparagus, Avocado and Arugula Salad

Figs

Figs, whose leaves became clothing in the biblical story of Adam and Eve, are filled with antioxidants, flavonoids, fiber and potassium. They are the ultimate paradox in sensual food; their many seeds represent fertility while their leaves are associated with modesty. Rumored to be Cleopatra’s favorite fruit, the erotically shaped fig has been associated with sexuality in almost every culture. In Ancient Greece, where they were believed to be a symbol of love, the arrival of a new fig crop elicited a copulatory ritual. Try them drizzled with honey for an aphrodisiac flavor sensation.

Recipe Suggestion: Fig and Honey Cocktail

Chocolate

On Valentine’s Day, sweet and decadent chocolate reigns supreme. Throughout history chocolate has played many roles, most notably as a symbolic aphrodisiac. Cacao bean pods, the source of chocolate, grow on Theobroma cacao trees, which translates to “cacao, food of the gods.” The Aztecs and Maya used the beans found within the pods as a form of currency. The Maya were known to exchange a few beans for a night of passion at the brothel, while the Aztec emperor Montezuma is rumored to have consumed 50 cups of chocolate each day in order to satisfy his many, many wives. Even the notorious Italian author Casanova mentions chocolate in his memoirs, frequently discussing his habit of consuming cups of chocolate in order to sustain his lustful exploits. So what are chocolate’s passion-inducing qualities? Scientists have narrowed it down to two key components – phenethylamine and tryptophan. The former is a stimulant that is released in the brain when we fall in love, while the latter helps to produce serotonin, a brain chemical associated with elevated moods and sexual arousal. In addition to all of this, the sweet taste and velvety texture of chocolate make for a very satisfying dessert.

Recipe Suggestion: Dark Chocolate Mint Leaves

http://toriavey.com/history-kitchen/2014/02/edible-aphrodisiacs/

Want to Build up Endurance, Boost your Energy and Increase your Speed? 24 more reasons to eat Beetroot.

■Alternative Cure
by Claude Butler

Want to Build up Endurance, Boost your Energy and Increase your Speed? 24 More Reasons to Eat Beetroot.

Tracing the Beets roots:

Beetroot, botanically-known as Beta vulgaris, evolved from wild sea beet, the ancestor of the beet with which we are familiar today, and is thought to have originated in prehistoric times in North Africa and grew wild along Asian and European seashores.

The beetroot taste is described as sweet, earthy and tender to eat. It is grown in the ground and is related to turnips, swedes and sugar beet. Most beetroot on sale is round and deep red, but yellow, white and stripy versions are available.

Transition from Medicine to Food:

Originally, it was the beet greens that were consumed; the sweet red beet root that most people think of as a “beet” today wasn’t cultivated until the era of ancient Rome. The Roman times used beets to treat fever, constipation, wounds, skin problems – and also as an aphrodisiac. By the 19th century, however, the natural sweetness of beets came to be appreciated and beets began to be used as a source of sugar. Historical reports of Napoleon declaring that beets be used as a primary source of sugar, after the British restricted access to sugar cane, have been documented.

At that time, the roots were long and thin like a carrot. The rounded root shape that we are familiar with today was not developed until the sixteenth century and became widely popular in Central and Eastern Europe 200 years later. Many classic beetroot dishes originated in this region including the famous beetroot soup, known as borscht.

TOP 24 HEALTH WONDERS OF BEETROOT:

1. For Pregnancy and Fetus- Beetroot is a good source of vitamin B folate, critical for conception, and preventing congenital disorders like spina bifida (affecting the development of spinal column) and neural tube defects in the fetus. Provides energy and reduces fatigue in pregnant mothers.
2. Prevents Anemia- iron increases the production of blood in your body. And increases your HB level (hemoglobin), improves blood circulation and the oxygen-carrying capacity of erythrocytes (the red blood cells).
3. Lowers Blood Pressure: Beetroot is a great source of nitrates, which when consumed, is oxidized to nitrites and nitric oxides, which widen the arteries, increases the oxygen content in blood, reduces blood pressure and with it the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes. Another nutrient Betaine lessens homocysteine concentration, which affects blood vessels, contributing to peripheral vascular disease, stroke and heart disease.
4. Reduces ‘Bad’ Cholesterol: Beetroot contains large amounts of soluble fibers, flavanoids and a powerful antioxidant, betacyanin, which reduces the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, preventing arterial wall deposits. Beet fiber reduces cholesterol, and triglycerides, by increasing HDL (good) cholesterol and strips and expels excess LDL cholesterol from arterial walls preventing atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.
5. Prevents Osteoporosis: Mineral silica is critical for efficiently absorbing calcium in the body, necessary for musculo-skeletal health, and keeping osteoporosis and brittle bone diseases at bay. Other key nutrients like magnesium, vitamin C, and folate, act as vital supplements for strong bone development.
6. Cures Diabetes: Beet contains natural sugars which is fat free, low in calories and has a medium glycaemic index, which means these sugars get released gradually into the blood, avoiding spikes. Helps stabilize blood sugar levels while satiating that sugar craving.
7. Instant Energy Source: Oxidation of beet’s nitrate content, increases the efficiency of the mitochondria (your energy powerhouses), helps dilate the arteries, increases the efficient uptake of oxygen, and increasing vitality and energy. Beets are high in carbohydrates which means they are a great instant energy source.
8. Aphrodisiac: The oxidation of nitrates, widens the blood vessels, and increases blood flow to the genitals. Another chemical compound, boron, is critical in the production of the human sex hormone, boosting libido, increasing fertility, and improving sperm mobility.
9. Prevents Cancers- Betacyaninis, in beetroot juice, stops the process of cell mutations, precancerous esophageal lesions and tumors that are caused by certain harmful compounds. It also negates Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs), harmful byproducts during meat and fish cooking. Beet fights breast, prostate, colon, liver, blood diseases and leukemia.
10. Cures Constipation: Its high soluble fiber content cleanses the colon, regularizes bowel movements, helps digestion of fatty food, and also stimulates the nerves in the intestine. Betaine raises the levels of stomach acid, providing relief to patients of hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid).
11. For Brain Health: Nitrate oxidation increases the oxygen uptake by the brain, helps in the better transmission of neural impulses and beats the onset of dementia. Studies suggest folic acid can help protect against Alzheimer’s and dementia.
12. Prevents Respiratory Problems: Vitamin C, besides it stellar role of free radical busting antioxidant, stimulates the activity of white blood cells, body’s main line of defense against viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoan toxins. Vitamin C’s range goes from fighting the sniffles to reducing the chances of cancer, to prevent asthma symptoms. The natural beta carotene in beetroot also helps to prevent lung cancer.
13. Eye Care: Beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A, prevents age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and cataracts.
14. Capillary Support: The flavonoids and vitamin-C in beets help to support the structure of capillaries.
15. For Healthy Liver: The beta cyanin in beetroot can help detox your liver, preventing oxidative stress, while protecting the liver cell’s DNA, eliminating toxins and potentially preventing the build-up of fatty deposits, caused by alcohol abuse, and protein deficiency. It also protects the liver and bile ducts, thereby improving liver, kidney and bladder functioning and overall health.
16. Anti-Inflammatory: Beetroot juice is helpful in fighting any inflammatory diseases, which are one of the main causes of premature aging, and age related diseases.
17. For Hair: Carotenoids increase the quality, thickness and glossiness of hair, and prevent dandruff, by increasing blood circulation and nourishing the hair follicles.
18. Radiation Protection: Concentrates of dietary fibers (CDF) in beetroot (containing lignin) are a very effective agent for radiation protection and radiation poisoning.
19. For Weight Management: Beet’s high fiber content, low calories content, and soluble fibers, help cleanse the toxic and excess water and fat from the body. Beets, which have zero trans fat, and zero saturated fat, help spike the metabolic rate in obese and overweight patients.
20. Stress Buster: Magnesium contained in the juice can also help to ease muscle tension, stress and anxiety. While Betaine enhances production of the body’s natural mood-lifter seratonin, trytophan relaxes the mind and creates a sense of well-being, similar to chocolate.
21. Anti-Aging: Contains extremely active antioxidants and phenolic compounds, which help prevent cell and DNA degeneration, by eliminating damaging and aging free radicals.
22. Curative Plant: Leaves of raw beet have been known to counter “garlic” breath and as binding for healing wounds. Beets have been shown to help cleanse the blood and colon, strengthen the gall bladder and liver, and cure boils, abscesses and even acne.
23. Nutrient Store: contains magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium and calcium as well as small amounts of copper, selenium, zinc, iron and manganese, in addition to carbohydrates, protein, powerful antioxidants and soluble fibre. It contains trace amounts of various amino acids (including D-amino acids [Alpha Amino Acids]) which help to build proteins and for use by the body.
24. Vitamin Store: Beetroot juice provides vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, beta-carotene, beta-cyanine and folic acid [folate] (B9). Beets are particularly beneficial to women whom are pregnant, as the vitamin B and iron are very beneficial to new growth cells during pregnancy and replenishing iron in the woman’s body.

Reported Side Effects:

• An estimated 10-15% of all U.S. adults experience beeturia -a reddening of the urine, after consumption beets. Though this isn’t harmful in itself, it may be a possible indicator of iron metabolism disorders. Persons with iron deficiency, iron excess or known problems with the metabolism of iron are more likely to experience beeturia.
• If you get kidney stones because of too much calcium, you may be advised to cut down on oxalates in your diet. Beetroot is just one food which contains oxalates, which prevent calcium from being absorbed by your body allowing it to build up as stones in the kidney.

Still there’s enough good reason for inclusion of beetroot in your family diet plans, considering the sheer variety of its unique health-boosting nutrients that you may not be getting from one single food source. Plus they’re delicious too!

http://www.curejoy.com/content/want-to-build-up-endurance-boost-your-energy-and-increase-your-speed-24-more-reasons-to-eat-beetroot/

Five health benefits of beetroot

Sandeep Godiyal

Beetroot, also often known as the beet, is a root vegetable that has been consumed since ancient times. Even the ancient Romans and Greeks thought beetroot had vitamins and minerals. In fact, today's studies prove that not only are they loaded with beneficial nutrients, but beetroot is an amazing way to ensure that a person stays healthy.

A root vegetable, the reddish and bulbous portion of the beetroot is grown underground while its leafy top is seen above the ground. It grows in both tropical and temperate areas, and takes about two months to reach maturity. Though the plants have been cultivated for thousands of years due to their dietary benefits, it is only recently that their many health benefits have been explored.

1. Beetroot enhances sex

The ancient Romans prized beetroot as an aphrodisiac and raised them as such. Today's science supports this Roman practice. Researchers have found that beets contain high amounts of boron, an element that relates directly to the production of sex hormones in humans.

2. Beetroot equalizes mental health

Betaine, the same component that is used by practitioners to treat depression using certain methods, is found in beetroot. Another great element that beetroot contains is tryptophan, which has been shown to create a sense of well-being while also relaxing the mind. They are also a great way to lower blood pressure, which can help offset the effects of stress on the body.

3. Beetroot increases energy levels

Because the sugar contained in beetroot is released slowly throughout the body, even though the sugar levels are high, they help maintain steady energy levels. When compared to foods such as chocolate whose sugars are processed quickly by the body, beetroot, which is also low in calories, makes its energy boost last a great deal longer.

4. Beetroot is high in vitamins and minerals

Because they are high in vitamin B and iron, beetroot is especially beneficial to those women who are pregnant. Vitamin B and iron are necessary for the growth of new cells as well as replenishing the iron levels that often dip at this time of life. In addition, beetroot is high in the following vitamins and minerals: fiber, phosphorus, potassium, folic acid, beta-carotene, vitamin A, magnesium, vitamin C and betacyanin.

5. Beetroot helps cleanse the body

Beetroot works to cleanse and clarify the liver. It can also purify the blood and has been shown to help prevent some forms of cancer. Eating beetroot can also indicate whether a person has low amounts of stomach acid. This is shown if their urine turns pink.

Adding beetroot to the diet is easy. Many people simply add beetroot that is mashed and cooked to their smoothies. Another way to prepare it is by thinly slicing it before drizzling with olive oil and broiling it.


Learn more:
 http://www.naturalnews.com/044774_beetroot_healthy_vegetables_increase_energy.html##ixzz365YmUVPW

10 Benefits of Beetroot You Probably Don’t Know

 BY TEGAN JONES
Beetroot, or beets, seem to be one of the most overlooked vegetables on the figurative menu. This may be because the majority of people are only exposed to the acidic pickled variety you get in cans. Or maybe it’s just because it seems to infiltrate and stain any other food it comes into contact with. If you’re an Australian like me, you’ve probably had at least one burger that has ended up bright purple because of a pesky beetroot inclusion.


It’s time for you to put the canned stuff down and try roasting off a fresh beet in the oven. Or perhaps you could try sipping on a glass of beetroot juice. Trust me, it’s delicious. Either way, you need to start putting your beetroot prejudices aside because they are actually incredibly healthy for you. Here are 11 benefits of beetroot that

1. Anemia
Beetroot is high in iron, which means it can assist in preventing anemia and low blood hemoglobin. It also helps the body’s absorption of iron, which enables good blood circulation and the capacity of oxygen that the red blood cells can carry.

2. Cancer Prevention
There are several elements contained within beetroot that can help to fight cancer. The first is betacyanin, which has been linked to the reduction of tumors and precancerous lesions. Betacyanin is also what gives beetroot its dark red pigmentation. The second is betanin, which has been effective in both liver and skin tumors.just might change your mind:

3. Heart Health
Beetroot can aid in preventing heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems. This is because it has the ability to lower your blood pressure and thus stop hypertension.

4. Weight Loss and Digestion
Your digestion and metabolism can be greatly aided by beetroot. It does this by stimulating the nerves in your intestine as well as helping your body to digest your food—particularly those of the fatty variety. In addition, it contains fiber, which further aids your digestive system and helps to keep you regular. The fiber found within beetroot, as well as the protein and carbohydrates, can also help you to lose weight because they help you to feel full and satisfied longer on very few calories.

5. Pregnancy
Beetroot is one of the best vegetables that an expectant mother can have. This is because it contains folic acid, which is imperative for the proper formation of an unborn baby’s spinal cord. As such, it also helps to prevent conditions such as spina bifida.

6. Skincare and the Aging Process
Antioxidants and phenolic compounds are found in high quantities within beetroot. This is good news because both help to remove free radicals from your system as well as prevent DNA and cell damage. This is beneficial for your skin because destroying free radicals means that it will be protected from premature aging.

Beetroot also contains anti-inflammatory properties that will further help to prevent aging and age-related diseases.

7. Optimizes Exercise

Beetroot has an astounding effect on brain function, particularly in older members of the population. It helps to increase blood flow to the brain, which subsequently can assist in fighting off dementia. In addition to this, the vegetable can improve cognitive functions in people of all ages.

9. Detox
Beetroot juice is highly effective at helping your liver to detoxify. This is primarily due to the methionine and glycine betaine that it contains. They both stimulate the liver cells and as well as support detoxification. The juice also protects your liver from the fatty depositions that are caused by protein deficiency and alcohol abuse. No, this does not give you the excuse to drink more.

10. Sexual Health
Now we get to the fun stuff. As I previously mentioned, beetroot contains nitrate, which helps carry oxygen around your body. It does this by widening your blood vessels, which means that the blood flow to your genitals is also increased. This is the same effect that Viagra replicates. Furthermore, beetroot contains boron, a chemical compound that’s essential to the production of the human sex hormone. So if you prefer going au naturel, try putting the little blue pill down for a night and having a glass of beetroot juice instead.


Love this article? Share it with your friends on Facebook

 http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/11-benefits-beetroot-you-probably-dont-know.html