BENEFITS of DRINKING BEETROOT JUICE DAILY

Coupled with the amazing health effects of KOMBUCHA

Not only is beetroot great for boosting stamina and making muscles work harder, it also contains potassium, magnesium and iron as well as vitamins A, B6 and C, and folic acid.

Beets also contain carbohydrates, protein, powerful antioxidants and soluble fibre. What’s more, just three baby beetroot equal one of your recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

SOME BENEFITS OF DRINKING BEETROOT JUICE

1. Reduces blood pressure and the risk of heart attacks and strokes

RESEARCH has shown that beetroot can help reduce blood pressure as well as its associated risks such as heart attacks and strokes. This is because the high content of nitrates in beetroot produce a gas called nitric oxide in the blood which widens blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. A daily dose of 250ml of beetroot juice or 1 to 2 cooked beetroot (approx. 100g) can help dramatically reduce blood pressure and its associated risks.

2. Powerful antioxidant properties

Betacyanin, the pigment that gives beetroot its colour, is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants are believed to help reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, in turn protecting artery walls and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

3. Folic acid

Beetroot contains folic acid which is essential for normal tissue growth. Folic acid is crucial to the development of a baby’s spinal cord during the first three months of pregnancy and can help prevent spinal cord defects such as spina bifida. Beetroot also contains iron so is a fab pick-me-up for mums-to-be suffering from fatigue during pregnancy. Expectant mums must remember though that cooked beetroot has lower levels of folic acid than raw beetroot.

4. Reduces risk of osteoporosis

Beetroot contains the mineral silica. This helps the body to utilise calcium, which is important for musculo-skeletal health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

5. Lowers cholesterol

Beetroot contains soluble fibre, which has also been shown to have cholesterol lowering capabilities. It also contains carotenoids and flavonoids, which help prevent LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol from being oxidised and deposited in the arteries.

6. Stabilises blood sugar

Beetroot is virtually fat free and low in calories. Although it has a 'medium' GI (Glycaemic Index) of 64, It has an extremely low GL (Glycaemic Load) of 2.9 which means it’s converted into sugars very slowly and therefore helps to keep blood sugar levels stable.

7. Treats anaemia and fatigue

Beetroot’s iron content means it’s good for those with anaemia and fatigue.

8. Helps slow progression of dementia

A recent study by Wake Forest University in North Carolina, USA has shown that the high content of nitrates in beetroot may also help fight the progression of dementia, as nitric oxide in the blood (produced by the nitrates in beetroot) also helps increase blood flow to the brain. Beetroot’s folic acid may also play a part as studies suggest it can help protect against Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Tuesday 29 June 2010

The nitrate content of beetroot juice is the underlying cause of its blood pressure lowering benefits, research from Queen Mary University of London reveals today.

The study, published online in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension, found that blood pressure was lowered within 24hours in people who took nitrate tablets, and people who drank beetroot juice.

The research will be welcome news to people with high blood pressure who might now be able to use a new ‘natural’ approach to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease (including stroke and heart attacks) - the world’s biggest killer.

Study author Amrita Ahluwalia, Professor of Vascular Biology at Queen Mary’s William Harvey Research Institute, said the investigation was able to demonstrate that the nitrate found in beetroot juice was the cause of its beneficial effects upon cardiovascular health by increasing the levels of the gas nitric oxide in the circulation 

Professor Ahluwalia said. “We gave inorganic nitrate capsules or beetroot juice to healthy volunteers and compared their blood pressure responses and the biochemical changes occurring in the circulation.

“We showed that beetroot and nitrate capsules are equally effective in lowering blood pressure indicating that it is the nitrate content of beetroot juice that underlies its potential to reduce blood pressure. We also found that only a small amount of juice is needed – just 250ml - to have this effect, and that the higher the blood pressure at the start of the study  the greater the decrease caused by the nitrate.

“Our previous study two years ago found that drinking beetroot juice lowered blood pressure; now we know how it works.”

The results of the study could pave the way for a natural approach to lowering blood pressure that ultimately may help reduce the currently massive burden of cardiovascular disease on the NHS.

Ends-

Kombucha

Read the full article . . . . .

What's It's History?

The first recorded use of Kombucha was in 221 B.C. during the Chinese empire of the Tsin-Dynasty. They called it “The remedy for immortality” or the “divine tische”.

In 414 A.D. Dr. Kombu from Korea brought Kombucha to Japan to treat the Japanese emperor Inkyo. From Japan, this incredible tonic spread to Russia, Europe, and India.

In the early 1950's, Soviet scientists were researching the large increase in cancer that had occurred after World War II. They sent two teams of researchers to two districts in the region of Perm on the Kama river of the Ural mountains where there were hardly any incidences of cancer occurring. They discovered that despite living in an area highly contaminated by lead, asbestos, and mercury, these people were experiencing no illness. Investigating further, they found that almost all the households were drinking “tea kvass” the Russian word for Kombucha.

After the war Dr. Rudolph Skelnar created renewed interest in Kombucha in Germany (those clever Germans in the 50s again!) When he used it in his practice to treat cancer patients, metabolic disorders, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Today, Kombucha is becoming increasingly recognized as a delicious beverage that has many health benefits. It's so easy to "brew" it can be done by anyone at home with basic utensils and no previous knowledge and it doesn't take a lot of time. All you need is a Kombucha culture called a s.c.o.b.y. - see below.

 What is it?

Kombucha is a living health drink which has been used for thousands of years to help stimulate the metabolism and maintain a healthy immune system.

Recently, Kombucha has become even more well-known for its ability to increase the effectiveness of natural detoxification processes and replenish vital organic acids and enzymes required by the body for optimal health.

The Kombucha culture looks like a beige or white rubbery pancake. It's often called a “s.c.o.b.y.” which stands for ' symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts.' The culture is placed in sweetened black, white or green tea and turns the tea into a sea of health giving organic acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and nutrients. The Kombucha culture feeds on the sugar and, in exchange, produces other valuable substances such as: glucuronic acid, glucon acid, lactic acid, vitamins, and amino acids. Kombucha also contains beneficial bacteria in the form of Lactobacillus Acidophilus, as well as dozens of other probiotic strains. By ingesting Kombucha, we can increase the amounts of good bacteria in our bodies to maintain a healthy digestive tract. Kombucha has been known to possess anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal components which make it a powerful addition to the health conscious individual.

How Does It Work?

The live, active cultures present in Kombucha remain dormant until they come into contact with the sugars in the digestive system. Kombucha thrives on these excess sugars and binds to toxins commonly found in the diet, clearing the way for the body to absorb the full nutrient content of the foods we eat. While the probiotics in Kombucha are detoxifying the digestive system, they are also producing organic acids and B Vitamins which speed the cleansing process, creating a wealth of rejuvenating effects throughout the body.

The boost of probiotic strains provided by Kombucha helps to flush out harmful bacteria and pathogens by regulating the level of acidity in the digestive tract.

Kombucha has been documented by various users as having the following effects. Because it:

• contains probiotics & beneficial “good” yeasts

• alkalizes the body (regulates the body’s pH)

• detoxifies the liver

• increases metabolism

• improves digestion

• relieves constipation

• prevents cancer forming cell production

• reduces blood pressure

• relieves headaches & migraines

• aids healthy cell regeneration

• reduces kidney stones

• high in polyphenols

• clears acne (highly recommended for the treatment of bacteria born acne eruptions)

• improves eyesight efficiency

• reduces eczema – softens the skin

• prevents arteriosclerosis (a thickening and hardening of arteries that causes cardiovascular complications)

• speeds healing of ulcers

• beautifies hair & reduces greyness

• helps clear up Candida & other yeast infestations

• boosts energy – helps with chronic fatigue

• is high in antioxidants (destroys free-radicals that cause cancer)

• rebuilds connective tissue - helps with arthritis, gout, asthma, rheumatism etc. (these are all auto-immune system disorders – where your body’s immune system is malfunctioning)

You are probably thinking, “Nothing can do all that!”

Well, you’re correct – in a way – it doesn’t directly DO any of the things listed above of itself - as with a specific medicine for a specific ailment  (it’s not a “Dr Feelgood Cure All Snake Medicine!”). However, it activates your body to do those things that it was designed to do in a perfect environment. We don’t live in a perfect environment anymore.

The truth is that we are born with an amazingly powerful immune system that helps our body repair and rebuild. However, we are bombarded with toxins from the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink and so forth. This has greatly reduced the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

It’s not magic, neither is it a miracle cure all. It just makes you healthier from within. As a result you start feeling energized and the aches & pains of auto-immune system disorders start to lessen. It WON’T make you live forever though!

Kombucha is NOT a panacea – it just makes you healthier!

The beauty of Kombucha is that it helps brings the body back into balance (specifically the body’s pH). Then, Kombucha provides a small boost of certain key acids and enzymes that the body naturally lacks but needs in order to function properly. With these assists, the body is free to work more efficiently and HEAL ITSELF NATURALLY.

Also, Kombucha is adaptogenic which means that it normalises the body and protects it from stressors in the environment. So, depending on what your body specifically needs, Kombucha works to help bring that into balance – as a pure example, some people may lose weight, while others may gain weight after they start taking Kombucha. If your body is already in good balance you won’t notice much difference. If it’s unhealthy and out of balance you’ll sometimes see an immediate and profound improvement. It may take longer for some to achieve that balance (depending on your personal chemistry), but without a shadow of doubt, over the longer term you’ll definately see a marked improvement in your overall health and energy levels.

On a personal note, I would not listen to EVERYTHING that's said about Kombucha. Only take on board what has been proven in trials. We have to keep our feet on the ground. Whilst it may have a superb effect on some of it's users who are suffering poor health, others (probably due to their adequate level of health & fitness) probably won't be so impressed.

Also, as with many alternative cures and elixirs some people go over the top. I've read of people attributing magical powers to it and some even believe it communicates with them telepathically from it's glass jar in the corner of their living room! These sort of accounts often come from people who also have regular alien abduction experiences and sometimes think they are a teapot for whole days at a time - you probably get my drift! However there ARE well documented scientific records, especially from our Russian & German friends that this brewed drink IS generally good for our health, and it's beneficial effects have been properly witnessed.

"How Do I Make Kombucha?"

BREWING Kombucha – QUICK GUIDE

"How Do I Make Beetroot Juice?"

1. With a Juicer

It's VERY easy! All you need are some beetroots, washed thoroughly and then 'topped & tailed' (there's no need to peel them.

Pop them in a juicer one at a time & collect the juice!

2. Without a Juicer

The old fashioned way - it takes more effort & it's rather messy, but very doable. You'll soon get the hang of it, or you'll put a juicer on your next shopping list!

So how do you combine beetroot juice and Kombucha? Easy just mix it 50/50. I personally put a wine glass full of my favourite Kombucha into a half pint glass to which I then add a wine glass full of beetroot juice. Throw in a few ice cubes, stir,  & you have a wonderful & delicious energy bursting & health giving drink that will refresh and wake you up - especially on a hot summer morning!

I can personally vouch for it's benefits having suffered chronic ill health for many years in the past. In fact without this drink I would find it hard to function physically on a day to day basis. It REALLY DOES work!

Good health to you!

© Gwilym ab Ioan 2013