Beetroot, the red part of the beet plant, has been eaten since ancient times. These ruby gems have a rich nutritional profile and are chock-full of everyday essentials like B vitamins, iron, copper, calcium and potassium. Therefore, it’s no surprise that they offer a goldmine of health-boosting benefits that you may not get elsewhere and why we added it to our best selling Beetroot Latte Blend. Here are 9 good reasons to start consuming more beetroot:
Beetroot helps lower blood pressure
Beets are rich in nitrates, a compound that converts into nitric acid in the bloodstream, which helps to widen and relax blood vessels. This results in better circulation and lower blood pressure. In fact, a study in 2012 found that 13 men who drank just one glass of beet juice a day lowered their blood pressure by an average of 4 to 5 points.
Beetroot decreases your risk for heart disease
Beets are also rich in a plant alkaloid called betaine and the b-vitamin folate. Together, they work to lower levels of homocysteine, which in high levels can increase your risk for artery damage and heart disease.
Beetroot supports your liver
Ever heard those stories of ‘washing your blood’? Beetroot is great at helping lend a hand to your liver when it becomes overloaded. It helps in the detoxification process because of the betaine it contains, which helps prevent and/or reduce fatty deposits in the liver.
Beetroot helps detox the body
On the same note, beetroot helps in whole body detoxification. It’s a great purifier and does so by pulling toxins into the colon where they can then be evacuated. Pretty neat, right?
Beetroot supports healthy digestion
The betaine found in beets has also been shown to improve digestion. But just a friendly heads up, beets don’t just turn your fingers pink... That crimson color can really be quite alarming if you aren’t prepared!
Beetroots boosts brain health
As already discussed, nitric oxide widens and relaxes blood vessels. Aside from lowering blood pressure, this also helps to increase blood flow to the brain.
Beetroot boosts stamina
Beets have been shown to naturally boost energy levels. Nitrates are to thank again here, as they increase oxygen circulation to the muscles. This allows the body to perform and push through for longer. One study found that the stamina-boosting properties of drinking beet juice could actually help you exercise for up to 16% longer.
Beetroot strengthens your bones
Beets also contain high levels of calcium, manganese, magnesium and vitamin C, which are essential to bone health. It’s important to keep them healthy as we grow and age in order to stay movin’ and groovin’.
Beetroot promotes glowing skin
If you’re healthy from within, it will of course reflect on the outside. Since beets are a great blood purifier, they also help to keep skin radiant and glowing. The vitamin C found in beets also helps to keep blemishes and breakouts at bay.
There you have it. You simply can’t beat beets. And these are just a handful of the impressive benefits that the vibrant root vegetable has to offer. It’s no doubt a powerful superfood, and if you haven’t tried it yet, now is a great time to do so. You can find it as the main ingredient in our super-versatile and easy-to-use Beetroot Latte Mix. Earthy with light warming spice notes, it’s like a hug in a cup.
Don’t forget to share your creations with us on Instagram @itsblume!
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18250365
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23231777
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23596162
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22709704