The 3-Day Beet diet is a weight-loss program intended to be followed for no more than three days. The beet diet is a variation of the Cleveland Clinic diet that originally included beets, tuna, vegetables, hot dogs and saltine crackers. The new version only allows the consumption of beets, fresh beet juice and plenty of water. This is a very low calorie diet which makes it a short-term weight loss program. In "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth," author Dr. Jonny Bowdens also says beets provide beneficial nutrients that detoxify and help prevent certain illnesses.
Warning
The 3-day beet diet is not recommended for certain individuals. The beet diet poses a health risk to those who have a history with an eating disorder because of the restriction of calories. According to the Mayo Clinic, weight loss for those who have an eating disorder can cause complications such as bone loss, kidney damage, seizures or type 2 diabetes. Others who should not participate in this diet plan include children and women who are pregnant or nursing. People with kidney problems, liver disorders, heart disease or have recently had surgery should avoid this diet. Anyone following a three-day beet diet should consult with a doctor.
Prevention/Solution for Water Retention
The 3-day beet diet helps reduce water retention that causes bloating and weight gain. In "The Martha's Vineyard Diet Detox," registered dietitian Roni DeLuz states that the typical Western diet is high in sodium because it is used as a type of preservative in many processed foods. A high-sodium diet that lacks potassium causes you to retain water. Beets contribute the mineral potassium, which plays a role in maintaining proper fluid balance. According to the Reader's Digest Association, potassium also promotes proper metabolism.
Potential for Heart Disease
Beets are a dietary source of the nutrient betaine and folic acid. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, these two nutrients work together to help reduce toxic levels of the amino acid homocysteine. High levels of this amino acid increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. In the "150 Healthiest Foods on Earth," Dr. Jonny Bowden says that these two nutrients in beets can also help prevent the development of dementia and peripheral vascular disease.
Benefits of Leaves
In the 3-day beet diet you are encouraged to eat or juice the leaves as well as the root. The leaves of beets contain a significant amount of essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, vitamin A and C. Vitamins A and C act as antioxidants by preventing cell damage caused by toxic elements in the environment such as pollution, smoke, pesticides and herbicides. In "The Food Bible," author Judith Wills says that iron increases your resistance to infection and helps the healing process.
Function of Enzymes
Drinking fresh beet juice and eating raw beets provides you with an abundance of protein molecules called enzymes. In "The Raw Food Detox Diet," author Natalia Rose says that the process of cooking or heating food kills beneficial enzymes. Enzymes are needed to assist with digestion and metabolic processes. According to Rose, enzymes also play a role in eliminating toxins, fungi and viruses from the gut.
References
- "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth"; Jonny Bowden, Ph.D.,C.N.S.; 2007
- "21 Pounds in 21 Days : The Martha's Vineyard Diet Detox"; Roni Deluz , James Hester , Hilary Beard ; 2008
- "Foods That Harm Foods That Heal"; The Reader's Digest Association; 1997
- "The Raw Food Detox Diet"; Natalia Rose; 2007
- "The Food Bible"; Judith Wills; 1998
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