Beetroot, with its rich crimson hue, has long graced our dining tables—adding a burst of color and earthy flavor to various dishes. But beyond its striking appearance and unique taste, this root vegetable gives way to various health benefits.
Often regarded as a superfood, beetroot’s nutritional profile is as vibrant as its colour. Below, we take a closer look at this magical veggie and why you might just want to add it to your next meal.
The Benefits of Beetroots
Beetroots contain plenty of nutrients, including fibre, folate, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. On top of this, it also includes many beneficial plant compounds, like nitrates. So, how can this incredible food impact your health?
1. Good for Heart Health
The nitrates in beetroot can lower blood pressure by improving vasodilation, which reduces the risk of heart disease. Considering cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, this is inevitably important.
2. Boosts Athletic Performance
Some studies suggest that the nitrates in beetroot can enhance athletic performance by improving oxygen use and time to exhaustion. In particular, it’s been noted to improve outcomes in endurance sports.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The pigments that give beetroot its deep red colour, called betalains, have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties. In turn, this can help combat inflammation-related diseases.
4. Digestive Health
Beetroots are a good source of dietary fibre, which aids in digestion and promotes gut health. In fact, research shows how fibre plays an important role in balancing the microbiome, which is responsible for digestion as well as immune function, mood, and more.
5. Supports Brain Health
The nitrates in beetroot may help increase blood flow to the brain, potentially slowing the progression of dementia in older adults. However, more research is needed in this particular field of study.
6. Rich in Antioxidants
Beetroot is high in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals in the body and protect against cellular damage.
7. May Help Manage Diabetes
The soluble fiber in beetroot can help stabilize blood sugar levels, making it potentially beneficial for diabetics or those with pre-diabetes.
How To Add More Beetroot To Your Palate
There are so many ways to enjoy this wonderful vegetable. Add it to a salad. Make pickled beets. Try beetroot soup (also called Borscht) with a bit of sour cream. Roast them, or enjoy them as juice added to your daily smoothie.
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