There’s more to beetroots than their characteristic red stains and bitter taste. This root vegetable is chock-full of essential nutrients like fiber, folate, manganese, potassium, iron and vitamin C, to name a few.

Despite its bitter taste, beetroot’s smooth, butter-like texture and bright red skin have made people fall in love with it. In fact, beetroot is now a popular addition to a lot of nutritious smoothie recipes and detox concoctions.

Health benefits of beetroot

Not a fan of beetroot? You might have a change of heart after taking a peek at beetroot’s wide range of health benefits. Here are some of them:

Supports heart health

Beetroot is one of the richest sources of natural chemicals found in the soil called nitrates. These chemicals help in blood pressure regulation, thus reducing the risk of complications due to high blood pressure like heart attack and stroke. Nitrates also help dilate blood vessels to ease the passage of blood, thus supporting overall heart health.

Enhances athletic performance

Athletes training to boost their endurance often turn to beetroot juice, perhaps the healthiest form of beetroot, for their pre-workout drink. One reason for this is that beetroot helps prevent fatigue and eases the strain on the muscles. Nitrates in beetroot also help relieve the heart and the lungs of most of the strain during exercise, thus enhancing both stamina and performance.

Fights inflammation

The deep, red pigment of beetroot is where most of its nutritional value lies. Beetroot is one of the few vegetables that contain a group of bioactive pigments called betalains that double as antioxidants. These pigments help fight inflammation and protect against cellular damage due to free radicals.

Supports gut health

Eating fiber-rich beetroots is good for the gut. Fiber helps soften stool, and it also inhibits the absorption of too much glucose and cholesterol. In addition, fiber also promotes the proliferation of beneficial bacterial communities in the gut that protect the gastrointestinal tract from constipation, hemorrhoids and colon cancer.

Improves brain functions

The nitrates in beetroots also help boost blood circulation in the brain, thus stimulating brain cells and enhancing brain functions. The betalain pigments also protect the brain from inflammation and cellular damage that can trigger dementia and rapid mental decline.

Reduces the risk of cancer

Some studies suggest that betalains are potent cancer-fighting compounds. In animal studies, beetroot has been found to inhibit the formation and proliferation of carcinogens. Instead, beetroot consumption led to an increase in immune cells that helped fight cancer development.

Strengthens immune health

Beetroots contain several immune-boosting nutrients, such as zinc, copper and vitamins A and C. As such, eating beetroot can help strengthen immune functions and immune response against disease-causing pathogens.

Aids in sex hormone production

In ancient times, beetroot has been used as an aphrodisiac to boost libido and stimulate the production of sex hormones. Some studies also suggest that eating beetroot might prove useful in treating erectile dysfunction and improving sexual health in men.

Maintains vision

Beetroots are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, both of which are plant compounds responsible for protecting the retina from inflammation. These compounds also reduce the risk of macular degeneration that can lead to blindness.

Supports liver health

Looking for a quick liver cleanse? Drink a tall glass of beetroot juice. Plant compounds called betaines in beetroot assist the liver in flushing out toxins, waste products and other harmful substances. Betalains also boost the natural detoxification process that takes place in the liver.

Love it or hate it – science tells us that the beetroot is without a doubt one of the most nutritious superfoods out there. To make the most of its health benefits, add it to a balanced diet or incorporate it into a smoothie recipe.

Read more articles about beetroots and other nutrient-dense vegetables at Veggie.news.

Sources:

FoodRevolution.org

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov