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Beetroot – the purple powerhouse

Edited: November 13, 2022

beetroot – the purple powerhouse

Beetroot (or beets, as they are also known) with their sweet, earthy flavour and rich purple colour, are now officially recognised as a ‘superfood’ by nutritionists and other health providers across the world. But are they really as good for you as their current popularity suggests? Or are we just being influenced by good beetroot PR?

Well, the good news is that there are more than a thousand studies worldwide that show the benefits of beetroot. So yes, beetroot really is a fantastic addition to a healthy diet.

Beetroots are high in nitrates and we need nitrates to keep our bodies operating at their best. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, helping to keep our blood vessels open and relaxing the arteries. By improving blood flow to the heart, the brain and the rest of the body, we lower our blood pressure and the risk of strokes, reduce the risk of heart disease and improve brain function.

We produce less nitric oxide as we age. Eating a varied diet rich in nitrates is an important part of keeping our bodies and minds healthy and active as we grow older. The addition of leafy greens and beetroot guarantees a nitrate rich diet.

Even younger people will benefit from eating a diet rich in nitrates which play such an important role in cardiovascular health. Improved blood flow leads to higher oxygen levels, increased energy and better athletic performance.

Beetroots are high in sugar which you might think makes them less ideal in a diabetic diet. However, the sugars that make up 16% of the nutrients in a beetroot are not readily accessible to our bodies (unlike refined sugars) and they are high in fibre which makes them ideal for diabetics who generally suffer from high blood pressure.

iron and nitrate rich beetroot leaves

Most of us fear the onset of dementia as we get older and here beetroot again comes to the aid of the aging brain. Increasing blood flow to the brain is known to help in the fight against dementia.

Young beetroot leaves are high in iron and nitrates and are a delicious addition to salads or wilted in Asian type bowl foods. Or try this recipe to serve the larger greens with garlic and lemon – delicious!

One word of caution – less is more when it comes to adding beetroot to your diet. While health practitioners suggest a glass of beetroot juice or the addition of beets to your plate every day will have health benefits, don’t overdo it. Nitrates are a valuable addition to our daily diet, but too much can have ill effects, increasing the risk of heart disease and strokes.

So, moderation in all things, but bringing some purple power into your life is just what the doctor ordered.