6 Amazing Health Benefits of Beet Greens

Beet greens, often overlooked, serve as a nutritional goldmine that’s worth a closer look. While the vibrant, bulbous beetroot steals the spotlight, the leafy green tops offer an abundance of health benefits that might surprise you. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, beet greens provide a dense array of nutrients, potentially aiding in boosting immunity, supporting bone health, and promoting healthy digestion. Emerging research suggests that these verdant leaves may contribute to reducing inflammation and supporting cardiovascular health due to their rich content of nitrates, vitamins K and A, and antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein. Exploring the incredible health benefits of beet greens not only underscores their nutritional prowess but also highlights their potential as a vital addition to a wholesome diet.

# Prevents Heart Disorders

Cooked beet greens, in a mere 100-gram serving, offer a substantial 909 mg of potassium, fulfilling about 19.34% of your daily potassium requirement. This mineral plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by aiding in the elimination of excess sodium from the body. Elevated sodium levels often correlate with heightened blood pressure, a known risk factor for heart disease.

Moreover, scientific studies highlight the potential of a potassium-rich diet in stroke prevention. One study indicated a noteworthy 24% reduction in stroke risk among individuals consuming higher potassium levels compared to those with lower intakes. This underscores the significant impact of adequate potassium consumption on mitigating stroke occurrences.

# May Help Prevent Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is characterized by weak, hollow, porous bones linked to lowered levels of calcium. Studies have found that diets rich in potassium may prevent osteoporosis by reducing the amount of calcium-loss through urine. In fact, one such study has found that women who ate the most potassium had the greatest total bone mass.

# May Prevent The Formation Of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones form in concentrated urine and is often a result of elevated calcium levels in the urine. Studies have found that potassium lowers calcium levels in urine and prevents the formation of kidney stones. In fact, a 12-year study found that people who consumed the most potassium daily had a 35% lowered risk of kidney stones.

# May Prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration

100 grams of cooked beet greens pack in 383 mcg of vitamin A (54.7% RDA), 1.81 mg of vitamin E (12.06% RDA), and 24.9 mg of vitamin C (38.3% RDA). Studies have found that all these nutrients combined offer protection against advanced age-related macular degeneration in people who were at high risk of the disease. However, it doesn’t offer the same for people with cataract.

# Keeps Skin Healthy

The vitamin C and E content in beet greens might make this leafy vegetable a great weapon against skin problems. Studies have found that vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and is critical for collagen synthesis. It also fights free radical damage due to sun exposure, especially in combination with vitamin E. In addition to this, both the vitamins keep skin well hydrated and wrinkle-free.

# Promotes Healthy Digestion

Beet greens pack 2.9 grams of dietary fiber per 100 grams of a serving. The fiber in food passes into the intestines and absorbs water, creating bulk that the intestinal muscles can easily push out of the body as waste. Naturally, consuming enough beet greens can help you prevent constipation.