Beetroot

Beetroot: Powerful Veggie for Your Gut

Beetroot is a root vegetable also known as red beet, table beet, garden beet, or simply beet. It is rich in essential nutrients and has long been used for its medicinal properties as well as its culinary attributes.1

Health benefits of consuming beets

Beetroot has several potential health benefits:

1. It may have anti-cancer properties due to the pigment betacyanin, believed to help inhibit the development of certain cancers.1

2. Beetroot improves digestive health as it is a rich source of glutamine and fiber, which support intestinal function and maintenance.1

3. It can enhance exercise performance and energy levels, partially due to the nitrates it contains that help deliver more oxygen to muscle cells.1

4. The anti-inflammatory effect is attributed to the betalain compounds, which also have high antioxidant properties.1

5. Beetroot reduces high blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide levels, which dilates blood vessels.1

6. It contains compounds that protect the liver and support its detoxification processes.1

7. Beetroot is also a source of many essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin B9, manganese, potassium, iron, and Vitamin C.1, 2

How to include beetroot in your diet?

Beetroot can be incorporated into the diet in various ways, such as raw in salads, roasted, juiced, or even in powder form for a concentrated source of its nutrients.3, 4, 5

When selecting beetroots, look for ones with fresh-looking greens attached, as these are also nutritious.4

Let’s sum up

In summary, beetroot is a nutritious vegetable that has numerous health benefits, including potential anti-cancer properties, digestive health improvement, enhanced athletic performance, anti-inflammatory effects, reduction in blood pressure, liver health support, and a rich provision of essential nutrients. It can be easily incorporated into the diet in multiple forms and should be selected and stored carefully to preserve its nutritional quality. However, it is not suitable for everyone, particularly those at risk of kidney stones or with gastrointestinal sensitivities.1

References

• 1) Surprising Ways Beetroot Helps Maintain Health  
  Tasty and sweet beetroot will take care of your health like nothing else.
  Article | 2023 | Diana Nelson

• 2) Natural Herbal Remedies from Medicinal Plants & Herbs  
  65 Best Herbs for Medical Herbalism Treat migraines, blood pressure, diabetes, depression, anxiety, insomnia & many more ailments – naturally!
  Book | 2020 | Kelly Lanier

• 3) Adaptogens  
  A directory of over 70 healing herbs for energy, stress relief, beauty, and overall well-being
  Book | 2020 | Melissa Petitto

• 4) The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods  
  Book | 2005 | Michael T. Murray, Joseph Pizzorno, ND; Lara Pizzorno, MA, LMT

• 5) Mental Wellness  
  A holistic approach to mental health and healing. Natural remedies, foods, lifestyle strategies, therapies
  Book | 2021 | Pat Thomas, Inna Duckworth MSc, MNIMH; Victoria Plum; Daphne Lambert