The compound being studied is the same one that gives fresh beets their lovely red color: betanin. And, because this compound is showing some ability to inhibit chemical brain reactions that cause Alzheimer’s disease to progress, scientists are looking for structures similar to betanin with the goal of eventually synthesizing drugs to help people who struggle with Alzheimer’s.
The reality is that, as America ages, increasing numbers of people are suffering from this progressive, irreversible brain condition. According to the National Institute on Aging, more than five million people in the United States currently have this disorder, affecting one in every ten Americans who are aged 65 and up; by the time people are the age of 85, one in three have this brain disorder. Scientists began looking at the beet for solutions after previous research showed how the juice of beetroot can boost oxygen flow to the aging brain, which could improve cognitive performance. So, they looked at betanin in more detail and found encouraging results. More About the Nutritional Benefits of Beets “After years of being relegated to the recesses of the salad bar buffet next to the shredded cheese and buttered croutons, beets are enjoying their much-deserved place at the center stage of a healthy diet. They're not only chock-full of essential everyday nutrients like B vitamins, iron, manganese, copper, magnesium, and potassium, these ruby gems also are a goldmine of health-boosting nutrients that you may not get anywhere else.” (Health.com) You can read the entire Health.com article to find plenty of additional information about the nutritional value of beets, a vegetable that can, according to the article:
Improve blood pressure
Lessen the risk of heart disease
Improve stamina
Lighten your liver
Help you in fighting chronic disease
Quick Look at Beet History As Mercola.com points out, people originally consumed beet greens. Beets naturally grew in prehistoric times in Europe, Asia and North Africa, and so people ate the greens. Near the end of the era of the Ancient Roman Empire, people began cultivating and eating the root of the sweet red beet. By the 19th century, people were using beets to take advantage of their marvelous sweetness. It has been reported that, when the British restricted access to sugar cane, Napoleon Bonaparte directed that beets should be used as the primary sugar source. That’s how wonderfully sweet this nutritious vegetable is!
Farmacy: Delicious Flavor in Nutritious Foods Fresh beets provide incredible flavor along with nutrition our bodies need to be healthy. Yes, it’s possible to eat foods that are bursting with sweetness and flavor that are also very good for your health – and we call this concept FARMACY. Here’s how Farmer Lee Jones looks at the concept of farmacy. “Dining experiences,” he says, “aren’t just about satiating the stomach. If that was the case, then people could simply go to a grocery store or farmer’s market and load up on food. What people really want is to satiate mind, body and spirit. That happens when foods are flavorful, nutritious and visually appealing.” Farmer Lee points out how, at The Chef’s Garden, the idea of farmacy starts with healthy soil. “We then plant our crops in harmony with nature, never trying to outsmart Mother Nature. As these crops grow in healthy soil, they take in the sun’s vibrant rays. So, when we harvest these crops, they are chock full of nutrition. In short, the process goes this way: healthy soil = healthy plants = healthy food for people.” You can find more information about farmacy here, including more about how visual appeal is also a key component of farmacy.
Beet Blush: Stunning Beet Leaves If you haven’t yet tried Beet Blush in your creative dishes, why don’t you give them a try? These gorgeous yellow and red beet leaves add color, texture, flavor, fiber and nutrients to your dishes. Order some today!