Sometimes I like to juice leafy greens and fresh veggies, but one of my favorite juices is beetroot juice. Beet roots are one of the most nutritious vegetables in the world and they're rich in betaine, folate, potassium, fiber, carbohydrates, protein and more. Beets are also high in anti-oxidants and cancer fighting compounds. The juice from beets is delicious, but it can also be a natural remedy for ovarian problems and a few other conditions.
Just one glass of beetroot juice delivers about the same amount of folate as a full serving of dark green leafy vegetables. Folate is a B vitamin that plays an important role in preventing birth defects and it may also help maintain existing cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health. Many women are deficient in folate and without enough this nutrient, they risk passing along birth defects to their children.
Beetroot juice is also a good source of potassium, which helps muscles and nerves function properly, promotes normal blood pressure and regulates heart rhythm. Potassium helps the body regulate its sodium levels, control blood volume and prevent muscle cramps. It's also one of the most important electrolytes for proper hydration.
There was a time when I thought beetroot juice was just for horses, but I recently discovered that it can be very beneficial to women as well. It can help alleviate a number of different conditions and it appears to be particularly useful for women with ovarian problems.
Health Benefits of Beetroot Juice for Women
1. Decreases Menstrual Pain and Cramps
Menstrual pain can possibly be alleviated by the antioxidants in beetroot juice, but only in women who have a mild to minimal amount of cramping. When beetroot juice was given to women who had severe cramps, there was no improvement in symptoms. The researchers concluded that the juice worked best on women with minimal to mild pain.
2. Improve Reproductive Function
Beetroot juice contains a high level of nitrates, which increase the blood flow and oxygen to the organs, especially the ovaries. This essentially nourishes the ovaries and increases their activity. The end result is a healthier reproductive system and better fertility outcomes.
3. Treat Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects an estimated five to 10 percent of women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS tend to have irregular periods, infertility and high levels of male hormones. A study published in the "American Journal of Reproductive Immunology" found that drinking beetroot juice helped reduce the level of male hormones in women with PCOS, as well as reduce insulin resistance and improve blood sugar control.
4. Treat Endometriosis/Dysmenorrhoea
Beetroot juice has been effectively used in the treatment of endometriosis and dysmenorrhoea (painful periods) for thousands of years, but a study published in the "Endocrine" journal showed that drinking beetroot juice was more effective than standard hormone replacement therapy in treating endometriosis.
5. Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that mainly affects women, but also affects men and children. Women with IBS tend to have a wide range of symptoms, including extreme bloating and abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, gas and excess stomach acid. The symptoms can vary significantly from person to person and they often get worse after eating certain foods or going through certain changes in the body's hormone levels.
Beetroot juice has been used to treat IBS in women who have constipation and diarrhea, ulcers and other problems with digestion. A study published in the "Nutrition Journal" found that drinking beetroot juice was as effective as taking a hormone called progesterone for treating IBS, but without the side effects of hormonal therapy.
6. Treat High Levels of Hormone Disrupting Chemicals
Toxins that are released from the body can lower women's estrogen levels, which can cause a number of problems including:
Irregular periods.
Menstrual pain and cramps.
Endometriosis and dysmenorrhoea.
PCOS and other reproductive problems.
Beetroot juice is a natural way to help balance estrogen levels by encouraging healthy ovulation and keeping the ovaries healthy. It's also a great way to reduce insulin levels, which can have an adverse impact on the ovaries.
7. Reduce Estrogen Levels and Eliminate Hormones
Consuming too much soy, isoflavones and phytoestrogens can increase the levels of estrogen in women's bodies. Foods that contain those chemicals include soybeans, soy milk, tofu and some baby formulas. The resulting high estrogen levels can increase the risk of developing breast cancer, endometriosis and other gynecological problems. Studies have found that drinking beetroot juice can help reduce the levels of estrogen in women's bodies and reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. Several studies suggest that drinking a glass of beetroot juice every day can help decrease the level of toxins and hormones in the body and in turn, restore hormonal balance.
8. Lower Prolactin Levels
The hormone prolactin can have a negative impact on women's health and fertility, but women with high levels of prolactin often experience symptoms such as restless legs syndrome, impotence and decreased libido. A study published in the "Nutrition Journal" showed that drinking beetroot juice helped reduce serum prolactin levels in women, which led to improvements in the quality of life, mood and sexual function.
9. Boost Immunity and Improve Immunity
Beetroot juice contains many vitamin and mineral nutrients, including iron and magnesium which enhance the immune system. It's also an excellent source of vitamin C, which has a number of important antioxidant benefits that boost stamina, energy and immunity.
10. Increase Iron Levels
Iron helps keep blood hemoglobin red blood cells working properly throughout the body. It also plays a vital role in enhancing oxygen transport in the body, which is essential for energy levels and healthy functioning. An Australian study found that drinking beetroot juice made with a ginger-root extract was a safe way to increase iron levels in women's bodies, without any significant side effects.
11. Decrease Inflammation and Pain
Inflammation has a range of negative health impacts on the body and it can be caused by a number of different factors including red meat, alcohol, stress and infection. The inflammation can also occur when excess estrogen is present in the body, as well as from consuming processed foods devoid of nutrients. Drinking beetroot juice regularly helps reduce inflammation, which can help prevent or treat several health problems.
12. Reduce Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Levels
The nitrates in beetroot juice are converted by the body into nitric oxide and help relax the blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and balances blood glucose levels. It's also been shown that drinking beetroot juice can help reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
13. Boost Brain Function
Beetroot juice contains a number of nutrients that improve brain function, including folate, iron, nitric oxide and B vitamins. A study published in the "Journal of Human Hypertension" found that drinking beetroot juice helped improve blood flow to the brain and boosted its function.
14. Prevent Diabetes
Research has shown that drinking beetroot juice can help lower blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, which are both major risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. A study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that drinking beetroot juice was just as effective as following a reduced calorie diet in helping prevent and treat Type 2 diabetes.
Read more: Some benefits of drinking juice daily