The Effects of Beet (Beta Vulgaris) on Type 2 Diabetes

Beet is best known as the beetroot or garden beet and belongs to the amaranth family. It is a perennial plant with leafy stems growing to 1–2 m tall.
Endothelial dysfunction is a condition of abnormal function of the inner lining of blood vessels, such as a defect in the production or activity of nitric oxide.

Nutrients and chemical Constituents
1. Energy
2. Carbohydrates
3. fiber
4. Protein
5. Vitamin A
6. Beta-carotene
7. Trytophan
8. Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
9. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
10. Niacin (Vitamin B3)
11. Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5)
12. Vitamin B6
13. Folate (Vitamin B9)
14. Vitamin C
15. Calcium
16. Iron
17. Magnesium
18. Copper
19. Phosphorus
20. Potassium
21. Zinc
22. Magnesium
23. Betacyanin
24. Betaine
25. Etc.
Besides the major chemical constituents betalains and phenolics, it also contains a lesser amount of isobetanin, probetanin, neobetanin, indicaxanthin, vulgaxanthins, etc.

The Benefits
Endothelial dysfunction is associated with patients with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. evidences some studies suggested that postprandial endothelial function was improved in patients with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, after a single dose of an Exenatide, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist (GLP-1 agonist) medication just before the meal. In the study to test the effects of endothelial function after the intake of beetroot juice in overweight and slightly obese men following a mixed meal,, the postprandial impairment in Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was improved, plasma concentrations of the circulating NO pool were higher at T60, T120, and T240. Of these results, researchers suggested that a single dose of beet juice attenuates the postprandial impairment of FMD following a mixed meal and maybe a potential alternative option to treat the early onset of a patient with type II diabetes, with little or no side effects.

Side effects
1. Oxalates in the beet can cause kidney and gallbladder problems. People with the above diseases should contact their doctor before consuming it.
2. Increase the risk of lowering calcium absorption for people with a weak digestive system.
3. Etc.


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References
(1) Improvement of Postprandial Endothelial Function After a Single Dose of Exenatide in Individuals With Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Recent-Onset Type 2 Diabete, by Juraj Koska, MD, Eric A. Schwartz, PHD, Michael P. Mullin, BS, Dawn C. Schwenke, PHD and, Peter D. Reaven, MD(Canadian Diabetes Association)
(2) Beetroot juice improves in overweight and slightly obese men postprandial endothelial function after consumption of a mixed meal by Joris PJ, Mensink RP.(PubMed)