Beetroot is a dark red vegetable with an
acquired taste that has been linked with better stamina, enriched blood flow
and lowers blood pressure. The beetroot taste is described as sweet, earthy and
tender to eat once cooked or pickled. It’s a root vegetable related to turnips,
swedes and sugar beet. Whilst beetroot has a sweet taste, its leaves (which are
also edible) taste bitter. It contains potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamins A,
B6 and C, folic acid, carbohydrates, protein, antioxidants and soluble fibre.
Beetroot leaves are source of calcium, iron, beta-carotene, and vitamin C.
Surprising Health benefits of beetroot
Blood pressure management
Its juice may help lower blood
pressure due to its naturally occurring nitrate content. Nitrates are also
found in vegetables, fruits and processed meats. In lab studies of healthy men,
a nitrate-rich beetroot drink lowered blood pressure for a few hours after
drinking, due to its effect soothing artery walls. In athletes, nitrate-rich
beetroot drinks are often taken to help progress blood flow to muscles during
exercise, and to relieve some post-exercise muscle aches.
Brain and dementia
Studies of Blood flow have shown
drinking beetroot juice increases blood flow to the brain for a short while in
older people. Maintaining good blood circulation to the brain is associated
with a reduced risk of vascular dementia, one of the main causes of dementia. Nitrates
in the food we eat and drink can be converted into nitrites by bacteria in the
mouth. We then swallow these nitrites in saliva, which when absorbed into our
body help dilate (widen) arteries, increasing blood flow and supplying the
oxygen needs demanded by body cells.
Beetroot side effects
There are some thought-provoking
side effects of eating too much beetroot. It can turn urine pink, which can be erroneous
for blood in the urine. It may also modify the colour of your poo – which can
be used to give you an idea of how quickly food moves through your body.
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