Benefits of Beetroot & How To Get More Into Your Diet

Beetroots are sweet in taste, vibrant in colour and packed with nutrients. They also boast a wide range of health promoting benefits making them an important part of a healthy balanced diet. Three key beet benefits are:
 
It’s Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation is one of the key drives of disease. Key triggers of inflammation include a poor diet high in processed foods and industrial seed oils, lack of colourful veggies, artificial sweeteners, sugar and environmental pollutants. The anti-inflammatory properties are largely attributed to a class of antioxidants called betalains that helps protect your cells against these inflammatory stressors.
 
It Supports Detoxification
Beetroot is a great liver support helping the body to cleanse and eliminate toxins from the body. The antioxidant betaine plays a key role in protecting the liver against damage caused by the toxins. Beetroot also contains the fibre pectin, which aids in the removal of these toxins by binding to them and preventing them from recirculating into the body.
 
It Lowers Blood Pressure
Beetroot is a natural source of nitrates which are converted into nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide helps to relax and dilate the blood vessels, increasing the flow of blood and thereby reducing the pressure. Just one glass of beetroot juice can reduce systolic blood pressure by an average of 5 points! It's also super effective in boosting your endurance and exercise capacity.
 
Here are some delicious ways of getting more beetroot into your diet to reap these benefits and the many others beetroot has to offer:
 
Raw Salad: Not many people know that beetroot can be eaten raw and it’s absolutely delicious. Shred it into a salad along with the beet greens (tops of the beetroot), shredded carrot, leafy greens, a sprinkle of chickpeas, seeds, avocado, and drizzle of extra virgin and add some extra protein choice for a healthy balanced and anti-inflammatory meal.
 
Beet Chips: Thinly slice and lightly coat in some extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil and bake in the oven until crispy for a healthy snack option. Enjoy with a delicious dip such as hummus or guac.
 
Beet Juice: Pick up a fresh beet juice at from your closest juice bar or better yet make your own! Boost the nutritional content by adding some greens such as celery, cucumber and mint and a hint of ginger. Avoid adding fruit as this can end up being a high sugar beverage!
 
Beet Protein Balls: A perfect pick me up, especially around that 3pm mark when feeling like you need an afternoon siesta. Add some finely grated raw beetroot or a healthy dose of beetroot powder into your favourite protein ball recipe such as my Cacao Power Balls.
 
Beet Sauerkraut: Sauerkraut is a great way to boost digestive and immune health, by keeping the gut bacteria in a healthy and happy balance. Fermented beetroot is a yummy variation to your traditional cabbage based sauerkraut recipes. There are many ready-made sauerkraut products available on the market that add beetroot or make your own using a mix of beetroot and cabbage.