The Healing Power of Beetroot
Since the Middle Ages beetroot has been used to treat illnesses related to the blood and digestion. In the recent years the beetroot has gained interest as a health promoting, functional food and the research community is now fully invested in researching beetroot vegetables, also, known as Beta vulgaris rubra.
The health promoting compounds of beetroot include antioxidants, carotenoids and nitrates, helping to amplify the health benefits of beets even more. Consuming beetroot juice increases the amounts of ascorbic acid, phytoestrogens, phenolic acids, carotenes and vitamin E for the body, beneficial for immunity and cardiac health.
Recent studies have linked the consumption of dietary nitrate-rich vegetables such as beetroot to cardio-protective BP-lowering effects, as well as improving stamina and increasing energy for athletic performance such as running in healthy adults. 1 2
Beetroot additional supports detoxification and cognitive function and is a high source of folate which is contributing to the body’s ability to make cells and copying and synthesising DNA. 3
You may have noticed in the past that after consuming beetroot your urine turns pinkish in colour. This is completely normal as a third of the population react to beetroot compounds that way.
If you are challenged with too much calcium in your body, contributing to a potential build up in your kidneys, associated with the development of kidney stones, it is beneficial to reduce beetroot consumption as they are high in oxalates, preventing the absorption of calcium in your body. High levels of oxalates can also contribute to interfering with iron absorption. If you know to be prone to low iron or feel sluggish or fatigued after beet consumption, it may be wise to reduce their consumption.
Click here for my delicious beetroot salad recipe.