Beetroot — or beets as they’re commonly known in the United States — are a root vegetable. The edible bulb is purple-ish and round.They’re edible and full of nutrients, too.
Beets are easily recognized by their rich red-purple color found in the most common varieties.The color comes from betalains, which are nitrogen-containing pigments
Betalains are often used to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and blood pressure. Don’t confuse beetroot with sugar beets though. They are very different nutritionally.
Betalains are also used as a natural food dye. Betalains give a rich reddish-purple color without the potential health risks that come with artificial colors. Just be careful.
“Eating beets can cause your urine to turn bright red, which can be alarming at first, but don’t panic because it’s completely harmless.”
A cup of beets offers nearly 4 grams of filling fiber, which is great for digestive health & controlling appetite. In addition, beets are packed with potassium,folate, & beta carotene.
“One glass of beetroot juice a day can be a cost-effective and natural way to help manage blood pressure,”
The nitrates in beetroot helped significantly improve insulin sensitivity in study participants with type 2 diabetes in just two weeks, according to another study.
Antioxidants prevent oxidation, which is a chemical reaction that damages cells. Antioxidants are a powerful ingredient for reducing risk of heart disease, some cancers, & arthritis.
beets has been shown to help reduce the pain of arthritis. Study participants reported a 33% reduction in arthritis-related pain after just 10 days of taking a betalain extract.
“The earthy and slightly sweet flavor pairs well with cheese, vegetables, and protein. Try adding roasted beets to a salad with spinach, goat cheese, and vinaigrette dressing.”