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Beetroot

Beetroot

Beetroot: A 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 beetroot


Beetroot offers several potential health benefits:

  • Anti-cancer properties: The pigment betacyanin is believed to help inhibit the development of certain cancers.¹

  • Improved digestive health: Beetroot is a rich source of glutamine and fibre, which support intestinal function and maintenance.¹

  • Enhanced exercise performance and energy levels: Nitrates in beetroot help deliver more oxygen to muscle cells.¹

  • Anti-inflammatory effects: These are attributed to betalain compounds, which also have high antioxidant properties.¹

  • Reduced blood pressure: Beetroot increases nitric oxide levels, which dilate blood vessels.¹

  • Liver health support: It contains compounds that protect the liver and aid its detoxification processes.¹

  • Rich in essential nutrients: Beetroot provides many important 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: Add to salads for a fresh crunch.

  • Roasted: Use as a side dish or in recipes.

  • Juiced: Enjoy as a drink to maximise nutrient intake.

  • Powdered: Use as a concentrated source of its nutrients.³ ⁴ ⁵

When selecting beetroot, choose those with fresh-looking greens attached, as the greens are also nutritious.⁴


Let’s sum up


In summary, beetroot is a highly nutritious vegetable with numerous health benefits, including potential anti-cancer properties, improved digestive health, enhanced athletic performance, anti-inflammatory effects, reduced blood pressure, liver support, and a rich provision of essential nutrients.

Beetroot can be easily included in the diet in various forms, and careful selection and storage can help preserve its nutritional quality. However, it may not be 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 Encyclopaedia 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

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