The Anti-Anemia

A few years ago, a pregnant patient came to see me for persistent anemia. Her doctor had recommended iron tablets, but her blood results were stagnating and digestive side effects were discouraging her. I suggested a simple protocol: raw beet juice diluted in carrot juice, each morning on an empty stomach.

Do you suspect iron deficiency? Take the iron deficiency questionnaire in 2 minutes and read my complete article on iron and ferritin.

Bioactive Molecules

Raw beet is the ultimate builder of red blood cells. Its organic iron, combined with folic acid (109 mcg/100 g) and manganese, directly stimulates hematopoiesis¹. Betalains support hepatic detoxification of phase II and the methylation cycle². Organic nitrates cause vasodilation that improves oxygenation of all tissues³. Never exceed 60 to 80 ml of pure juice; always dilute in carrot juice.

Raw beet is the ultimate builder of red blood cells. Its betalain (250-280 mg/100g) supports hepatic phase II detoxification and the methylation cycle. Its organic iron, combined with folic acid and manganese, directly stimulates hematopoiesis. Organic nitrates (250-300 mg/100g) cause vasodilation that improves oxygenation of all tissues. Beet greens, too often discarded, are even more interesting: rich in lutein and zeaxanthin (retinal protection) and in calcium (117 mg/100g), better absorbed than that from dairy products. In juice form, beet is of considerable power. Never exceed 60 to 80 ml of pure juice: it triggers intense hepatic cleansing that can cause dizziness and nausea in overburdened individuals. Always dilute it in carrot juice (70/30). Red-orange urine after consumption is normal: it is the betacyanin being eliminated. This juice is indicated for anemia, post-infectious fatigue, convalescence, pregnancy (iron + folates), and heavy periods.

Beet contains three remarkable molecules. Betalains (betacyanins and betaxanthins) are antioxidant pigments 1.5 times more powerful than vitamin C for neutralizing free radicals²: 5178-5185). Inorganic nitrates convert to nitric oxide (NO) in the body, a powerful vasodilator that reduces blood pressure by 4 to 10 mmHg¹: 784-790). Folic acid (vitamin B9), essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation, is present at 109 mcg/100g in raw beet.

The iron in beet is in organic form, directly assimilable by the body. Its intense red color comes from betalains, powerful antioxidant pigments that protect cells from oxidative stress. In a spring cure, drink 30 to 50 ml per day for 3 weeks to regenerate your iron reserves and restart red blood cell production.

Table of Key Micronutrients

Micronutrient	Main Role
Betaine	Hepatic detoxification, methylation cycle
Organic iron	Red blood cell formation, oxygen transport
Folic acid (B9)	DNA synthesis, cell division, pregnancy
Organic nitrates	Vasodilation, tissue oxygenation
Manganese	Enzymatic cofactor, bone metabolism
Betacyanin	Powerful antioxidant, cellular protection

Preparation with a Juicer

Ingredients:

• 1 medium raw beet with its greens
• 3 organic carrots

NEVER drink more than 50 ml of pure beet juice at once: its detox effect is too strong. Start with 2 tablespoons and increase gradually over 2 weeks.

My Recommended Juicer

For this recipe, I use the Hurom H310A. Cold pressing preserves all the enzymes, vitamins, and phytonutrients that the heat from a centrifuge would destroy.

Promo code: francoisbenavente20 for -20% off everything at Hurom.

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Go Further

Related Articles

• Iron: absorption and metabolism
• Anemia: causes and solutions

Test Yourself

• Questionnaire: Iron deficiency

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