[Info] Beets good for the Brain

[RobinN]

B stands for beets, which benefit Blood pressure and now, believe it or not, Brain health. These important health benefits make a compelling case for trying to develop a taste for beet juice because -- let’s be truthful here -- it’s not something many people are in the habit of drinking regularly.

BEETS ARE EVEN BETTER THAN WE KNEW

The new findings on brain health come from Wake Forest University and were reported in the January 2011 issue of Nitric Oxide: Biology and Chemistry. We already knew that beets have a high concentration of the compound nitrate, which gets converted to nitrite (a vasodilator, which means it expands blood vessels) when it comes into contact with the healthy bacteria that live in the mouth.

In this small study, seven adults (all age 70 or older) each consumed 16 ounces of beet juice with breakfast for two days and then ate a normal, healthful lunch and dinner (that also included some healthful nitrates), after which they had MRI scans to measure blood flow through their brains. At the same time, for the sake of comparison, another group of seven adults of the same age ate a diet that emphasized low-nitrate foods for two days, also followed by MRI scans. The two groups then switched diets for another two days, and had additional MRI scans. Research finding: Drinking beet juice brought increased blood flow to the white matter of the frontal lobes of the brain, the area most strongly associated with degeneration that leads to dementia.

Beet juice has an earthy, slightly sweet flavor but leaves a sour aftertaste -- therefore some people like to add a small amount of apple juice as a sweetener. Many markets now carry beet juice, and some also sell beet juice-extract capsules, for those who really don’t think they can develop a taste for the stuff!

The study tested only beet juice, not whole beets, though lead author Daniel Kim-Shapiro, PhD, director of Wake Forest University’s Translational Science Center, told me that he believes that these would be similarly healthful. Other good sources: Dr. Kim-Shapiro noted that kale, spinach, celery and cabbage are also good sources of nitrate -- he suggests that you might make a "brain cocktail" by juicing some of these foods together in whatever proportion tastes best to you.

IS IT SAFE?

Nitrate-rich beet juice and extract is not advisable for certain groups of people, including those who have or have had nitrate-containing kidney stones and anyone taking nitroglycerin or Viagra. Since beets are high in sugar, people with diabetes should not drink beet juice either and indeed, if you have any chronic medical condition, you would be well-advised to check first with your doctor. But if you like beet juice and your doctor gives you the thumbs up, it’s safe to say you can’t beat beets for brain health!

From BottomLine Daily Health (free) e News

[RobinN]

I won't be giving Rebecca beet juice daily, since she has a blood sugar issue, but I do use beets, both red and golden in pureed vegetable soup. I highly recommend it.

I love to boil, peel, and eat beets plain. It is a great vegetable.

[flinnigan]

Oh yummy I love beets. I had a girlfriend who juiced them with a grass and lived 5 years with a very deadly caner and they were 5 very health happy years I might add.

[Endless]

I LOVE beets with a little balsamic vinegar and a little goat cheese. Then a bunch of micro-greens (teeny tiny baby lettuce) on top.

Mmmmmmm. Ohhhhh so easy and ohhhhh so good.

(trader joes has all the ingredients, just shop, drop 'em in the cart, and ready to go)

[Nakamova]

Endless, you and I like the same salads, I see. I just bought the beets at Trader Joes yesterday!

[Rae1889]

I love beets!

whether it be in borscht, pickled, salads etc. they are so so good.

I even love the beet leaves. I wrap them around litle dough balls and dip them in an onion garlic cream sauce. so delish!

[Screamy]

Beets are awesome!! Guess I know what is on my next grocery list!!

[Aubrey]

I like borscht. This is a must add veggie.

[Chel]

Beets. Blech. Can I buy them in a pill?

*grin*
Chel

[Nakamova]

You can actually! There are beet-juice extract capsules.

[hootie]

I was reading about a natural juice mixture that can help decrease seizures...beet juice, cucumber, and celery (or was it carrot???)...

I bought some beet powder and gave my son about 1/4 teaspoon...UGH...big mistake!!! Increased seizures, bad behavior, red skin...THE WORKS!

Be careful if you are really sensitive!

[Endless]

I LOVE beets, but I am allergic to them, so I save them for special occasions. If I eat too many I get asthma and I break out in a rash. But if I eat just one serving every month or so, I'm okay. I think beet capsules would do me in.

[Screamy]

I know whats on my grocery list once this snow storm is over! YaY!!!