Traditional medicine

Beneficial properties of beet tops: how to use them to strengthen the heart, improve digestion and against inflammation. Beneficial properties of beet tops for humans

Modern humanity lives in a world characterized by wastefulness. We do not use everything that nature gives us, for example tops, in particular carrot tops. Therefore, let's look at the benefits of carrot tops and how to take them for various health problems.

Let's start with the fact that the application in folk medicine only young, chemically untreated (ideally from your own garden) greens are found. It is used for water retention in the body, therefore, for the treatment of edema, infections urinary tract.

Tea (decoction) from carrot tops taken 2 times a day, and produces a diuretic effect, helping the body get rid of excess liquid. Fresh herbs can be used to decorate a sandwich or be used as an ingredient in soups.

The benefits of carrot tops for the body are due to the content of vitamin C, β-carotene, minerals and consist, first of all, in supporting digestive system and restoration of liver function.

History of discovery

Carrots belong to the Apiaceae family and are grown as a root vegetable. The plant comes from the South Asian region (Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan), where its wild ancestors still grow today. In the 12th century, the root crop was brought to Western Europe and China. Today it is grown all over the world.

The original roots of carrots were white and purple, the current orange roots were created in the 17th century through cultivation in Holland. Both the vegetable itself and its tops are rich in vitamins, minerals, microelements, and contain a number of other useful substances, incl. fiber and important antioxidants.

Collection and preparation of greens

drying - the greens are divided into sprigs, washed, dried, cut into small pieces; dried by spreading a thin layer at room temperature, without access sun rays until completely dry.
freezing - after preparation (as for drying), the greens are placed in containers and placed in the freezer.

Essential substances

Although most carrots are mainly represented by their roots, the use in the kitchens of supporters healthy image The tops, used for flavoring and decorating dishes, also find life, similar to parsley.

Therefore, do not throw it away, but use it to improve your health. To use all the beneficial properties of carrot tops, it is advisable to consume them with a small amount of vegetable oil - this will ensure optimal absorption of all fat-soluble substances.

The most well-known component of greens is β-carotene, which is found in the upper part of the plant in greater quantities than in the root! Pinna is an antioxidant that helps the body fight stress and environmental pollution.

This vitamin keeps all mucous membranes in good condition, acts as a growth factor, restores skin, relieves eye fatigue and improves vision in the dark. According to some studies, healing propertiesβ-carotene includes the fight against cancer.

The benefits of tops are also represented by the content of the carbohydrate falcarinol, which has strong anti-cancer effects. Falcarinol is unstable and easily decomposes during cooking.
Composition - important components that determine why carrot tops are useful:

provitamin A (β-carotene);
B vitamins;
vitamin C;
vitamin D;
vitamin E;
vitamin K;
lecithin;
fiber;
easily digestible glucose;
sodium;
calcium;
magnesium;
potassium;
phosphorus;
iron;
copper;
zinc;
manganese;
selenium.

For men

Selenium – the “mineral of longevity” – slows down the aging of the body, prevents diseases cardiovascular system. This is important for men, because... they are more susceptible to these disorders compared to women.
To ensure daily dose Selenium is enough for 1 sprig of greenery.

For women

Breast cancer is a disease that is literally a nightmare for women. Scientists in recent studies have found that young women who consume carotenoids (also found in carrot tops) have 18% lower health levels than women who are deficient in these substances.

The effect of greenery on appearance– thanks to a “bouquet” of important substances, it ensures healthy skin, hair and nails.

Pregnancy

Carrot tops and dishes containing them are not recommended for pregnant women!

Therapeutic effects

The benefits of fresh and dried carrot tops cover a number of organs and systems, and include a general beneficial effect on the body:

increases the body's defenses;
protects against negative effects free radicals;
promotes healthy growth and development of children (recommended from 5 years old in an amount of no more than 1/2 twig per day);
strengthens the heart and blood vessels;
improves vision;
strengthens the mucous membranes of the body;
accelerates wound healing;
keeps skin young and healthy;
normalizes stool - helps with both constipation and diarrhea;
improves the condition of hair and nails;
increases male fertility.

Tea recipes

For maximum health benefits, it is important to know how to properly brew a healing green drink. In folk medicine, both fresh (frozen) and dried carrot tops are used for its preparation.

Fresh herb tea

Before preparing the drink, wash and chop the carrot tops. 1 tsp pour 250 ml of boiling water over the raw materials and leave for 10 minutes. You can use honey or berries to improve the taste.
If bitterness bothers you, first scald the greens with boiling water or leave them soaked in water for 15 minutes. cold water.

Dried herb tea

1 tsp pour 250 ml of boiling water over the raw materials and leave for 10 minutes. Add honey, sugar, berries...

Treatment with carrot tops

Greens have many health benefits - lowers cholesterol, helps preventive action against heart disease and even some types of cancer, improves vision and reduces symptoms early aging. In addition, it strengthens immune system, improves digestion, detoxifies the body. These impacts are provided high content vitamins and minerals.

Reducing cholesterol

High percentage Soluble fiber is beneficial for lowering cholesterol and therefore the risk of heart disease. To prevent health problems, it is enough to drink 1 glass of tea a day.

Reducing the risk of cancer

α-carotene and bioflavonoids are associated with a lower risk of cancer (especially lung cancer). Drink 2 glasses of infusion per day.

Protecting teeth and gums

The active substances contained in greens cause the secretion of saliva, which is alkaline and balances acidic bacteria in oral cavity. Minerals prevent tooth damage.

Body cleansing

The next thing that natural medicine helps with is detoxification of the body. Thanks to vitamin A, it removes toxins and excess fat from the liver. Greens have the ability to bind chemically heavy metals and remove them from the body.

Slow down aging

Vitamin A, an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals that cause skin aging, is also important in this regard.

Treatment of hemorrhoids

To treat hemorrhoids, the infusion is used both internally and externally. The recipe for its preparation is somewhat different from the main brewing method.

Internal reception

For oral treatment prepare an infusion (tea) from carrot tops: 2 tbsp. pour 1/2 liter of boiling water over the raw materials and leave to steep overnight. In the morning, strain and drink as follows:

in the morning – 1/2 cup;
at lunch – 1/3 cup;
in the evening - 1/3 cup.

Therapeutic course – 1 month.

External use

External uses include applying compresses and sitz baths.

Compresses - in the infusion prepared according to the above recipe, moisten a clean cloth and apply to hemorrhoids for half an hour.
Baths - pour a bunch of carrot tops into 5 liters of boiling water directly in a basin. Leave to cool to a pleasant temperature. Then take a sitz bath for half an hour.

In both cases, the procedure is carried out 2 times a day. Course – 2 weeks.

Treatment of varicose veins

For medicinal properties carrot tops, aimed at treating varicose veins, responds to potassium. It has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system and prevents the formation of blood clots.

An important role is played by selenium - an antioxidant that counteracts free radicals, which cause trophic disorders.

Decoction of varicose veins

You need:

10 tbsp. dried raw materials;
3 liters of boiling water.

Pour boiling water over the raw material, cook for 5 minutes. Strain. Store in the refrigerator. Drink 1/2 glass 2 times a day. The course depends on the course of the disease. Treatment is carried out until the condition improves.

Treatment of constipation

Contraindications and warnings

When using the medicinal properties of carrot tops, take into account the contraindications to the use of greens. These include:

pregnancy;
individual intolerance;
gastrointestinal diseases in the acute phase.

Contraindications include childhood up to 5 years!
Harm is possible after eating chemically treated greens. Therefore, before consuming carrot tops, pay attention to organic origin product.

Due to the rich composition of carrot tops, their benefits and potential harm, application natural medicine You should consult your doctor!

Tops appearing on vegetable shelves are one of the most pleasant harbingers of the spring-summer season. During this period, we should not deny ourselves the tender leaves of sugar beet, because they are a real treasure trove of useful substances, especially vitamin C. A glass of tops satisfies more than half of our daily need for this organic compound, which very effectively strengthens the immune system and helps repel attacks from bacteria and viruses.

Another important component of the tops - vitamin E - is responsible for the good condition of the skin: it has an excellent effect on hydration, prevents drying out and the appearance of pigmented age spots. Beet tops also supply us with a solid dose of bioflavonoids, which protect the heart and circulatory system. It also contains sulfur compounds that inhibit the development of cancer cells.

Hormonal strength

Recently, scientists have discovered phytoestrogens in beet leaves, that is, plant compounds that act in the same way as human hormones and have many valuable properties. First of all, they influence the mitigation of problems associated with menopause: they fight hot flashes, excessive sweating, sleep disturbances, dizziness, fatigue, depressive state, irritability, palpitations, feeling of suffocation. Phytoestrogens act as hormone blockers and effectively protect against prostate, breast and thyroid gland. They improve concentration, overall brain function and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular diseases by causing a decrease in “bad” cholesterol and an increase in “good” cholesterol.

However, you need to know that beet tops are a rich source of oxalic acid, a substance that impedes the absorption of magnesium and calcium. Excess of it weakens bones and teeth, and also promotes the formation of kidney stones. People suffering from illnesses should remember this urinary system, fat digestion disorders or intestinal diseases.

How to eat beet tops?

Tops can be easily purchased in stores and markets. When going after it, you need to choose specimens with deep color and elastic leaves and ignore wilted or yellowed ones. “With age,” the leaves become red and uneven, which, however, does not affect their taste.

The vegetable does not like to be stored for too long. The tops will remain fresh and elastic longer if you place them in a paper bag that provides air and moisture. In this form, it is placed in the refrigerator without rinsing the leaves, since excess moisture can accelerate their rotting. Wash this plant immediately before cooking. Do this in cold water and then rinse thoroughly to remove sand and other contaminants.

Beet leaves are the basis for cold plant, made from sour milk, kefir or buttermilk and various additives: cucumbers, radishes, boiled eggs. You can make delicious Botvinnik from beet leaves. In this case, they are simply boiled in meat or vegetable broth and seasoned with a small amount of sour cream.

The tops should be cooked covered in a saucepan, without adding water. Enough droplets that will remain on the leaves while rinsing, as well as a little butter or olive oil.

Tender leaves will be an exquisite addition to the main dish; they go well with garlic, shallots, Roman cumin, and hot chili sauce. The tops can be eaten raw (for example, as part of a salad) or used to enrich spring pies or casseroles. A wonderful dish from beet tops found in Georgian cuisine: the tops are boiled, thoroughly squeezed out of water and seasoned with chopped walnuts and delicious spices. This snack is called “phali”.

Home cultivation

If you don’t have confidence in tops purchased in a store or market, you can easily grow them at home. Such microgreens are one of the most fashionable “nutritional” trends. recent years. Vegetarians and other fans willingly treat themselves to young plants. healthy food, and the most famous chefs are happy to decorate the dishes served in their restaurants with them.

To grow the tops yourself, you need to put a little good soil in pots, boxes on the windowsill or another container, scatter the seeds over it and cover it with another, thinner layer. Plants are placed in a sunny place, not forgetting about regular watering. When they sprout, you need to wait about 2 weeks, after which you can start cutting them and eating them.

Beet leaves, although small in size, can surprise with their richness of flavor. Therefore, they make a good addition to salads, sandwiches or omelettes. They also make an attractive garnish for pasta or pizza dishes. It is important to remember that microgreens should be eaten raw, since heat treatment destroys many valuable components.

Beet tops– beet shoots, they have green with burgundy veins (see photo). Tops have long been used in cooking and medicine among Slavic peoples. The beets themselves have a sweetish taste; most often they are boiled before consumption. This product was also known to the cooks and healers of Babylon and the Mediterranean countries. Mentions of beets and their beneficial properties were found in sources that date back to the 4th century BC. e.. It is interesting that initially it was the tops that were used for gastronomic purposes, and the root vegetable itself was used exclusively for medicinal purposes.

The Mediterranean region is considered the birthplace of beets. Today, beets are distributed almost throughout the globe. Beets require regular watering and soil fertility; they are grown to produce tops and the root crop itself.

Useful properties

Useful properties beet tops were known to our ancestors; they added this product to their diet in order to maintain health for many years. Young beet leaves rich ascorbic acid, which strengthens fragile capillaries, fights depression. Folic acid, which is quite abundant in beet tops, is necessary for brain function and nervous system. Important place folic acid occupies a place in the diet of a pregnant woman, as it helps to avoid problems with intrauterine development fetus Women who ate plenty of dark green leafy vegetables during pregnancy got enough fiolic acid from their diet.

Beet tops contain carotenoids, which makes them good for vision. Carotenoids have antioxidant properties, protect body cells, and prevent cancer. When consumed large quantity Eating foods rich in carotenoids reduces the risk of developing lung cancer. Carotenoids also reduce the likelihood of developing coronary disease hearts.

Beet tops contain the substance choline, which has a beneficial effect on the liver, prevents its fatty degeneration. Pectin substances suppress the activity of harmful intestinal bacteria, which affects metabolism and general condition. Regular consumption of beet tops has a beneficial effect on the condition of blood vessels and prevents the development of atherosclerosis.

In cosmetology there is recipe to get rid of freckles using beet tops. To do this, the beauties prepared a paste from the tops, which was then applied to the treated face. soda solution. This procedure is also effective for age spots.

Use in cooking

In cooking, beet tops are used to prepare traditional Russian dishes. Beet tops – good basis for borscht and soups, in addition, it is very useful. This product is included in national desserts and real Russian kvass. Young beet leaves can be stored dried or frozen. In the old days, the tops were dried or salted: this way they retained their taste all winter.

Beet tops will completely change the taste of okroshka or cold beetroot soup. Young beet leaves can be used to make salads. Before adding them, you must first scald them with boiling water: this will make them softer and more tender. Beet tops sound good in dishes that contain spinach, fresh cucumbers, celery, radish. Fresh herbs and walnuts The taste of young beet leaves will be further emphasized.

Main courses can also be prepared from beet leaves. Beet tops are often added to vegetable stews, casseroles, cutlets and even omelettes. Canned tops are used in winter in preparing second and first courses. Pies filled with beet tops are especially popular. The so-called Ossetian pie, the filling of which consists of beet tops, suluguni cheese, and fried onions, is also very tasty.

Salads made from tops and leafy vegetables are usually seasoned with lemon juice and homemade sour cream; olive oil is also a good dressing. Before eating, the tops must be prepared. To do this, it is scalded with boiling water and then finely chopped. The tops prepared in this way are completely ready for consumption and for adding to salads; they lose their specific taste and become very soft.

The benefits of beet tops and treatment

The benefits of beet tops allow you to use it for various diseases. It is recommended to include beet leaves in your diet for people who are obese. The calorie content of the product is 28 kilocalories per 100 grams. Beet tops contain plant fiber, which helps normalize metabolic processes, promotes weight loss. The tops have a mild laxative property, which allows them to be used for constipation. In this case, a decoction will help: pour boiling water over a tablespoon of tops leaves and leave until it cools; after the decoction has cooled, it should be drunk during the day in about 4 doses.

Beet tops are recommended for use in diseases of the cardiovascular system, diabetes mellitus, anemia.

In the old days, beet tops were used as natural remedy for headaches. For this purpose, they cooked porridge from the tops, which they applied to the forehead. Tops mush was also used for conjunctivitis. The tops were applied to the eyes several times a day. Externally, you can use juice from beet tops, pulp from leaves and decoction.

Tops do a great job with cracked feet, foot baths are prepared for this. Compresses made from tops mush heal wounds.

Harm of beet tops and contraindications

Beet tops can cause harm to the body in diseases with the formation of stones, inflammation of the kidneys, and inflammatory processes in the intestines. It is also contraindicated to use beet tops when peptic ulcer stomach, gastritis, heartburn, gout, if any inflammatory processes in the liver.

Beetroot is a vegetable that has beneficial properties for the human body. The tops are rich in vitamins and nutrients, which allows it to be used to treat many diseases. It is used not only in the treatment of diseases, but for preparing various dishes. Therefore, let's look at the health benefits and harms.

Features of use

Since ancient times, people began to consume only beet leaves, and root vegetables were used exclusively for medicinal purposes. After all, the tops are long, fleshy and incredibly juicy. It has found its use both in cooking and as a medicinal product.

Composition of beet tops

It is necessary to understand the benefits and harms of beet tops. It is widely used for cooking and treating diseases. It can be cut into a salad, added to soup or other dish. This use of tops became possible due to its composition.

What does it contain:

B vitamins help improve metabolic processes, strengthening the nervous and immune systems;
Vitamin A improves vision and digestion, it is present in the leaves in huge quantities;
micro- and macroelements (calcium, chlorine, iron, etc.) have a positive effect on the human body;
flavonoids help relieve inflammation and cleanse blood vessels;
nicotinic acid prevents the formation of cholesterol in the blood;
folic acid helps a woman bear and give birth to a healthy child;
ascorbic acid helps strengthen capillaries and improve immunity.

The tops, rich in vitamins and nutrients, are recommended to be used both for the treatment and prevention of diseases.

How to choose the right beet tops?

What are the benefits and harms of beet tops for the human body? This will be discussed below in the text, but now you need to figure out how to choose the right leaves of the plant.

The benefits of tops are revealed in early spring, when small leaves appear on beets, which is especially valuable during this period, because the human body needs vitamins.

Young tops can be purchased no earlier than the end of May. It is better to buy it together with leaves, which will make it possible to get fresh herbs to the table.

A quality product has the following characteristics:

If the leaves of the tops are elastic, it means they are fresh.
Their color should be dark green.
It is better to choose tops with a dense root.

Dishes prepared from such leaves will delight you with excellent taste and vitamin composition.

How to store beet tops?

How to determine the benefits and harms of beet tops for human health? These qualities will be written about below, but now you need to understand how to properly preserve beet leaves.

When buying tops along with root vegetables, you need to cut off the leaves at a distance of 1-2 cm from the tuber. All wilted and dried green mass should be removed, and the good ones should be washed thoroughly.

It is best to store the tops in a container, placing them in the department where various vegetables are stored. Beet leaves - so they need to be used within 3-4 days. For longer storage, the tops are frozen.

Beneficial properties of beet leaves

How to find out the benefits and harms of beet tops for humans? Let's look at the beneficial effects of leaves on people's health, and then look at their negative effects.

If you use the tops throughout the year, and not seasonally, it will help cure many diseases. In this way, you can prepare your body for the upcoming cold weather and strengthen its defenses.

The medicinal properties of the above-ground part of the root vegetable include its assistance in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. This manifests itself in ridding the body of toxins and harmful substances.

The presence of betanin in the tops helps normalize metabolism in the body.

The green mass of beets has anti-aging properties. Those present in it micro and macroelements slow down the aging process and have a beneficial effect on a person’s appearance.

External use of the tops will help cope with acne and other skin rashes. Directions for use: mash the leaves and apply to the skin of the face, avoiding the area around the eyes.

Tops can be used in treatment arterial hypertension, for diseases of the heart, thyroid gland and anemia.

The medicinal properties of beet tops, the benefits and harms of which have always worried adherents of traditional medicine, can stimulate the growth of muscles and bones in a child, so the leaves must be included in children’s diet. Green beet mass is used not only for treatment, but for the prevention of diseases.

The use of tops in dietetics

Beet leaves are good for making healthy salads because of the fiber they contain. This helps to quickly saturate the body with useful substances and lose extra pounds.

People who watch their figure will like it nutritious salad based on beet greens. His recipe includes: tops, cucumbers, lettuce, radishes, spinach, herbs and nuts. You can season the dish olive oil or sprinkle with lemon juice.

Constantly eating beet leaves will help you get rid of extra pounds and look attractive, which is especially true for women.

Tops in folk recipes

There are many recipes for treating diseases where beet tops (the benefits and harm to the body are the topic of this article) are the main component. There is also harm from its use, but this will be written about later.

Ways to use tops:

To get rid of constipation, you need to drink an infusion of beet leaves, but at least three times a day before meals. The single dose is 1/2 cup. To do this, pour a glass of boiling water over a spoonful of chopped tops.
For headaches and migraines, beet leaves should be mashed and applied as a compress to the temples. Keep for at least 20 minutes.
Mash the tops, wrap them in gauze and apply them to your eyelids, which will help get rid of conjunctivitis.
Beetroot leaves can be used to treat mastitis. To do this, you need to knead them and apply them to the seals on the chest for 40 minutes. Carry out the procedures daily.
To get rid of corns and cracks, you should squeeze the juice from beet leaves and lubricate problem areas with it overnight.

A tincture of tops leaves can be drunk every day to saturate the body with vitamins and for preventive purposes. To do this, pour 1 spoon of tops with a glass of boiling water.

What can you cook from tops?

Beet tops, the benefits and harms of which have long been known to experienced gardeners, are used in the preparation of various dishes. Tops can be added to borscht, okroshka, cabbage soup and botvinya. Bean and pea soups with the addition of beet leaves are especially popular.

Some housewives prepare preparations for the winter from the tops. For future use, you can ferment, pickle or dry beet leaves. Heat treatment negatively affects the amount of nutrients in the tops, so it is better to abandon them.

To dry, the leaves need to be crushed. Due to the presence in them small amount essential oils the procedure is carried out at a temperature not exceeding 60 degrees. This can be done in special dryers, shaded areas and well-ventilated areas.

If a person needs the tops to treat diseases, then they can be frozen. To do this, the green mass is washed, dried, crushed and placed in plastic bags. After defrosting, the product must be used immediately. Repeat procedure It is better not to freeze due to the loss of vitamins and nutrients from the leaves.

Contraindications to the use of tops

When using leaves, questions arise about the contraindications of beet tops, the benefits and harms of which affect the human body in different ways.

It is better to avoid using it if you have the following pathologies:

diarrhea or a tendency to this disease, because the tops have a laxative effect;
kidney diseases and bladder in the acute stage, beet leaves can stimulate the process of urination;
in case of liver disease (hepatitis), the tops, by changing metabolic processes, will place additional stress on this organ;
Taking beet leaves can aggravate gout;
diabetics should not eat tops because of the sugars they contain;
when taking beet leaves, blood pressure may drop, so this product is prohibited for hypotensive patients;
V in some cases individual intolerance arises.

Beet tops are an indispensable source of vitamins and minerals for the body, so they must be constantly consumed unless there are restrictions on intake.

The benefits of beet tops have been known for a long time. In the Persian lands, where the plant comes from, it was cultivated specifically to produce fragrant and juicy greens. Much later, humanity “tasted” the underground part, and breeders began to make efforts to obtain universal and specialized varieties. Beetroot greens of the chard variety are most suitable for consumption. Its above-ground part accumulates a lot of moisture and plant fibers, and therefore has the best nutritional qualities.

However, medicinal properties are inherent in beets of almost any common variety. It is enough to use the leaves along with the petioles in time. But the use of beets requires compliance with special rules. This is where the pinkish-green leaves will provide maximum health benefits and culinary pleasure.

Plant characteristics

Beetroot, which is used for culinary purposes, is of the common or garden beet variety. Within the species there are huge amount varieties intended for introduction into the human diet, as well as for use as a fodder plant and sugar-containing raw materials. Garden beet is a herbaceous biennial with well-developed underground and above-ground parts. Morphological characteristics will help to distinguish it from other plants.

Roots. They are represented by a well-developed root crop, on the surface of which there are thin additional roots. The root vegetable is covered with thin skin and has a fleshy and juicy interior. It has good keeping quality.
Leaves. The leaf blade has an oval shape, a smooth or wavy edge. The surface is smooth and shiny, from dark green to yellow-green. The veining is clearly visible on it. The veins protrude from the underside and, together with the long petiole, have the same deep pink color. The petioles are long and fleshy. Thanks to them, the leaves form a voluminous and high basal rosette.
Stems. They grow in the second year of the growing season, and if sowing is unsuccessful - in the first. Fleshy, erect and tall, they are surrounded by small rounded leaves.
Flowers. Inconspicuous white-green, collected in racemose inflorescences formed at the top of the stems, as well as in the axils of the leaves.
Fruit. They are called “glomeruli” and are formed by fused two-seeds.

The leaves of the first year of the plant's life are used as food. The best harvest can be harvested with regular and abundant watering of the bed, as well as with sufficient quantity sun rays. In this case, the leaves will not only be dense, crispy, aromatic, but will also accumulate maximum quantity nutrients.

Composition and benefits of beet tops

The beneficial properties of beet tops are due to its chemical composition. The above-ground part of beets contains even more vitamins and minerals than the underground part. Additional benefit is the content of a small amount of triterpene compounds, to which the tops owe their specific taste and mild aroma.

A huge amount of insoluble plant fiber provides effective cleaning intestines. The tops remove waste and toxins better than the popular “Brush” salad. Fiber swells in the lumen digestive tract, providing long-lasting saturation. This property will greatly help in losing weight. Light green salad vegetable oil will provide the body with vitamins and minerals, have a cleansing effect, and also provide satiety for a long time, preventing overeating in subsequent meals.

Active vitamin composition beet tops are represented by the following substances:

ascorbic acid– vasoprotector, antioxidant, immunostimulant of natural origin, actively consumed by the body’s cells;
nicotinic acid– regulator of metabolic processes, as well as stimulator of tissue epithelization;
B vitamins– regulators of carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism, necessary for normal operation nervous system;
carotenes are precursors of retinol, ensuring good condition of the skin, nails and hair, and also stimulating the work of secretory cells.

Beet greens contain many mineral compounds that accumulate from the soil during the development and growth of the plant. Root crops literally “devastate” the soil on which they grow. List of minerals accumulated by beets:

sodium;
potassium;
calcium;
phosphorus;
iron;
zinc;
selenium;
manganese;
magnesium;
fluorine;
chlorine.

Macro- and microelements contained in beet tops are necessary to support electrolyte balance in the body, good condition bone and muscle tissue, the active occurrence of enzymatic processes, and, consequently, metabolism.

Other biologically active substances that beet greens are rich in have a positive effect on the body with moderate but regular use.

Flavonoids. Plant antioxidants that prevent and stop the development of cancer, improve the composition and viscosity of the blood, and normalize the condition of blood vessels.
Organic acids. They stimulate lipid metabolism, improve the secretion of digestive juices, stimulate the formation and excretion of bile and urine, and have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Chlorophyll. The plant component is an antiseptic and immunostimulant, as well as a stimulator of healing of various skin lesions, provides a rich green color to the tops.
Amino acids. Necessary for the synthesis of enzymes, structural elements of various tissues in the body. Participate in all types of metabolic processes.

The rich composition of the above-ground part of the plant makes it an ideal addition to the diet. The low calorie content of greens also contributes to this - only 17 kcal per 100 g of product.

How to stock up on raw materials

In folk medicine, the most active remedy is considered to be fresh beet tops picked from the garden. It is these greens that contain maximum benefits, which means they can quickly and effectively heal the body. Healers recommend consuming the leaves throughout the season: from May to September. This allows you to strengthen the immune system, improve the functioning of the digestive system, normalize and even speed up metabolism.

Freezing

To benefit from the product all year round, beet tops can be frozen. This must be done according to the following rules.

Collection. Only leaves freshly picked from the garden are suitable for freezing. It is not advisable to store the tops in the refrigerator before freezing, as they lose some of their beneficial properties. The leaves are collected by cutting them along with the petioles at the very surface of the soil, which stimulates the formation of new leaves on the plant. It is better to collect in cloudy weather early in the morning.
Processing. The greens are thoroughly washed with plenty of cold running water. Each sheet must be gently rubbed with your fingers to ensure that any dust or sand is removed. After that they cut off bottom part petioles, approximately 3 cm. The remaining part is cut off at the base of the leaf blade. The root part is thrown away because it accumulates harmful compounds from the soil.
Preparation . For freezing, the sheets must be crushed. The plates are cut into strips about 1 cm wide, cutting them across the central vein. The petioles are crushed into cubes. Both parts of the workpiece are mixed in a bowl, then pour boiling water over it for a few minutes. Place the greens from the boiling water in a colander so that all excess water drains. During the drying process, the raw materials are mixed several times.
Freezing. The prepared leaves are poured into freezer bags or plastic containers. There is no need to compact the tops. Loosely folded leaves are easier to separate in the required quantity.

Frozen tops for future use can be used until the next season, since they preserve useful substances. Such preparations are used for preparing salads, appetizers, main courses, and also, if necessary, to produce medicine. If you dry the leaves, then along with the moisture they will lose most of their beneficial properties.

To add to soups, you can prepare beet tops with salt. For this purpose, the leaves are prepared as for freezing. And after drying, sprinkle generously with rock salt and mix thoroughly, squeezing the greens with your palms. After the salt has completely dissolved, the workpiece is compacted tightly into glass jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to six months, using as needed as a seasoning.

Recipes for beet tops for the winter also involve pickling and fermentation. Such preparations do not have any particular therapeutic benefit, but they are a tasty addition to meat dishes and side dishes.

Pickling

Peculiarities. The petioles of beet leaves are best suited for pickling. If desired, they can be transferred with sheet plates cut lengthwise. The salad is prepared without sterilization, so the jars must be sterilized first.

Ingredients:

beet leaves – 1 kg;
large onion - one piece;
garlic - three cloves;
salt, sugar - to taste;
apple cider vinegar - to taste;
peppercorns - ten pieces;
carnation - three inflorescences;
parsley, dill.

Preparation

Beet tops are prepared: the petioles are separated from the leaf blades and cut into strips.
The onion is cut into half rings, the garlic into slices.
Parsley and dill are finely chopped with a knife.
Mix onions, garlic and herbs, place on the bottom of jars or mix with chopped tops.
Straws of beet leaves are placed tightly in jars or placed vertically.
A marinade is prepared from water and spices, immediately after boiling, pour it over the mixture prepared from vegetables and herbs, and leave for four minutes.
Pour the marinade from the jars into a saucepan, bring to a boil, and heat for another four minutes.
The boiling marinade is again poured over the greens, and the jars are immediately sealed with metal lids.
After cooling, they are sent upside down for storage in the basement.

Pickling

Peculiarities. This dish is prepared over three days and stored in the basement for about two weeks. Ideally complements the taste of meat and fish dishes.

Ingredients:

beet tops – 1 kg;
large onion - one piece;
garlic - to taste;
salt - from one teaspoon;
parsley and dill;
dill inflorescences.

Preparation

The washed leaves, trimmed at the bottom by 3-5 cm, are chopped into large pieces. You can use a blender for this purpose. Set aside for half an hour to allow the greens to release their juice.
To ferment the leaves, they are laid out in a container in layers, each layer being compacted tightly.
Before each new layer, lay out a little onion, garlic slices, herbs, dill inflorescence, and sprinkle with salt.
Having seasoned the last layer, cover the container with a plate and put pressure on it.
Keep in a warm place for three days. After this period, they are sent to storage in the basement.

For use in medicinal purposes Drying beet leaves is allowed (if freezing is not possible). To do this, they are chopped together with the petioles and dried outdoors in the shade. Store for up to a year.

Pronounced therapeutic effects

The medicinal properties of beet tops are varied. The plant is equally actively used to treat diseases of the digestive system, as well as for obesity and skin problems. But the main thing about greens is its ability to saturate the body with vitamins, minerals, and improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

blood purification – beet flavonoids eliminate cholesterol, prevent atherosclerosis, prevent fibrous growths vascular walls;
strengthening blood vessels– the same substances eliminate excessive permeability of vascular walls, improve their tone, and prevent fragility;
strengthening the myocardium– glycosidic compounds in the tops improve the functioning of the heart muscle, normalize the strength and speed of its contractions;
decrease in pressure– beet greens have hypotonic properties due to the elimination of vascular spasms, its use is very appropriate for hypertension;
increase in hemoglobin– vitamins and minerals from the leaves stimulate hematopoiesis and hemoglobin synthesis, providing an antianemic effect.

The use of beet tops can significantly improve digestion:

effect on the stomach – organic acids in beet tops improves secretion hydrochloric acid and activate the process of food digestion;
anti-inflammatory effect– manifests itself in pancreatitis and cholecystitis, as well as in the presence of inflammation in the intestines;
decreased need for insulin– the tops regulate blood sugar levels, preventing the need for sudden and abundant releases of insulin, which is extremely appropriate for diabetes;
improvement of peristalsis– beet greens eliminate constipation, speed up digestion and elimination of food bolus.

In folk medicine, the antitumor properties of beet tops are valued. It is used for mastopathy, as well as for gynecological neoplasms (myoma, fibromyoma, polycystic ovarian disease). It is believed that regular consumption of these greens can protect the body from cancer.

The leaves are actively used externally as an anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and antiseptic agent. These properties are due to the acid content, as well as the high concentration of carotenoids. Thanks to them, you can whiten your skin and remove freckles and age spots at home.

Compresses for inflammation

Beetroot raw materials are very easy to use. A handful of chopped fresh or frozen leaves can be added to any homemade salad, enriching its composition. This amount is sufficient to prevent heart disease, as well as to normalize digestion. External use of beets is possible with:

headache;
mastopathy;
mastitis;
gynecological inflammations;
wounds, burns;
cracks, dry skin;
psoriatic or eczematous rashes.

In these situations, it is appropriate to make compresses on the area of inflammation from leaf pulp or simply from a fresh, well-mashed leaf. It (or gauze with crushed leaves) is applied to the affected area twice a day for 30-40 minutes. The course of treatment lasts until the symptoms of inflammation are completely eliminated.

Bowel remedy

To quickly relieve constipation, you can make a decoction of beet tops or an infusion of fresh beets. The same remedy will improve digestion, speed up metabolism, promote better discharge of bile and urine, and also normalize lymph outflow.

To prepare the medicine, pour a glass of boiling water over fresh or dried tops (a tablespoon). Dried raw materials are boiled for five minutes, fresh ones are immediately left to infuse. After infusing for an hour, the medicine is filtered. Drink a quarter glass half an hour before each meal.

Crushed beet leaves are even used to treat conjunctivitis. To do this, they are applied to the eyelids twice a day for 20 minutes.

Cooking recipes

You can prepare first and second courses, appetizers and salads from beet tops. Greens are one of the ingredients of the Ossetian pie; they, along with sorrel and nettle, are added to borscht. In Rus', beet greens are traditionally used for botvinya, a popular first course. At the same time taste qualities the tops are very peculiar. They are best complemented by adding finely chopped walnuts to the dish. You can also use large beet leaves (instead of cabbage and grape leaves) when preparing cabbage rolls.

Cutlets

Peculiarities. Such cutlets will be an excellent snack, as well as an option for eating greens for children.

Ingredients:

beet greens - three bunches;
chicken egg - one piece;
salt - to taste;
flour - four tablespoons;
vegetable oil - for frying.

Preparation

The greens are washed with water and chopped in a blender or meat grinder.
Salt, stir in an egg and a couple of tablespoons of flour.
Mix thoroughly and form small cutlets.
Breaded in flour on both sides, fry over medium heat until done.
Served with sour cream or cream.

Soup

Peculiarities. A hearty dish and a storehouse of vitamins. It is better to serve the soup with sour cream and half a boiled egg.

Ingredients:

chicken meat - to taste;
medium onion - one piece;
carrots - one root vegetable;
potatoes - two pieces;
beet greens - a large bunch;
salt, herbs, pepper - to taste.

Preparation

The chicken is cooked until done.
Add diced peeled potatoes.
Prepare a frying mixture of onions and carrots, add them when the potatoes are almost ready.
Cut the tops into strips and put them in the soup.
Add salt and spices, boil for another five to ten minutes, and leave to steep for a quarter of an hour.

Salad

Peculiarities. Improves appetite and complements meat dishes well.

Ingredients:

Beet leaves - a bunch;
Parsley leaves - half a bunch;
Red onion - one piece;
Garlic – two cloves;
Toasted walnuts - a third of a glass;
Vegetable oil – a couple of tablespoons;
Mild adjika – one tablespoon;
Salt - to taste.

Preparation

Fresh tops are cut into strips and blanched in boiling water for five minutes, after which they are cooled in a colander.
Chop the onion into half rings, finely chop the garlic and parsley.
Walnuts are crushed into large pieces.
Prepare the dressing by mixing oil and adjika.
Mix all the ingredients, garnish with parsley on top, and add salt.

Possible risks

The composition of beet greens is rich useful compounds and contains them in high concentrations, and therefore differs active influence on the body. Absolute contraindications beet tops – reactions of individual sensitivity. But reasons for limiting the amount of greens consumed are also:

gout;
chronic tendency to diarrhea;
haemorrhoids;
inflammatory diseases of the kidneys and urinary ducts.

People with hepatitis or cirrhosis should be aware that, due to the choline content, the increased metabolism caused by greens will cause additional stress on the liver.

During pregnancy, greens should be consumed with caution due to their ability to lower blood pressure. When breastfeeding, greens can be consumed due to their indifferent taste and smell.

The nutritional qualities of beet tops allow you to diversify and supplement your diet with it. Together with greens, the body receives a dose of fiber, vitamins, minerals, biologically active substances plant origin, including many antioxidants. This helps not only to maintain health for a long time, but also to prolong youth. The harm of beet tops appears only when it is consumed excessively and in the presence of contraindications.