Beets

—Jill Fandrich, PharmD, CRPh

Beets, also known as beetroot, are versatile and nutritious vegetables with numerous health benefits. Here are some of the impressive benefits of incorporating beets into your diet:

1. Rich in essential nutrients - Beets are packed with essential nutrients like dietary fiber, vitamins (vitamin C, folate, and vitamin B6), and minerals (iron, manganese, and potassium). These nutrients help support overall health and well-being.

2. Heart health - The high levels of dietary nitrates found in beets have been linked to improved cardiovascular health. These nitrates are converted into nitric oxide in the body, which helps to widen blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and enhance blood flow, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

3. Anti-inflammatory properties - Including beets in your diet can help reduce inflammation in the body. Beets contain betaine, a compound that has been shown to lower inflammation markers in the body, thereby potentially benefiting conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

4. Digestive health - Beets are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in promoting healthy digestion and preventing constipation. Fiber adds bulk to the stool, making it easier to pass through the digestive system and maintaining regular bowel movements.

5. Detoxification properties - Beets are known for their detoxifying properties, as they help to cleanse and support liver function. The antioxidants and phytonutrients found in beets help to remove toxins from the body, promoting detoxification and supporting overall liver health.

6. Boosts exercise performance - Due to their nitrate content, beets have been found to enhance exercise performance and increase stamina. Nitric oxide helps improve oxygen utilization and blood flow to muscles, reducing fatigue and improving exercise efficiency.

7. Cognitive function - The nitrates in beets can also promote cognitive function and brain health. Research suggests that nitric oxide can enhance blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive performance, memory, and decision-making.

8. Weight management - Beets are relatively low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great addition to a weight management plan. The high fiber content helps promote satiety and reduce calorie intake, while the nutrients in beets support energy production and metabolism.

Incorporating beets into your diet can be as simple as adding them to salads, juicing them, steaming, roasting, or pickling. With their numerous health benefits, beets are a versatile and nutrient-rich vegetable that can be a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

The humble beet, with its vibrant hue and earthy flavor, holds within it a multitude of benefits for both body and mind. From its powerful antioxidants to its rich source of essential nutrients, beets are a true treasure of nature, nourishing us from within. Just as the beetroot thrives in the depths of the soil, so too can our own potential flourish when we embrace the goodness it offers. Let us not underestimate the transformative power of the beet, for it has the ability to invigorate our health and remind us of the abundance gifted to us by our Creator.

—Dr. Jill

Who will you share this with?