The reason why we’ve decided to bring the spotlight on beet—the often neglected root vegetable—is because it is one of the healthiest and most nutrient-dense foods around.
It can be had in myriad ways—aside from just slicing it up and having it raw. We’ll let you decide how you would want to incorporate it into your diet. What we would like to tell you is why you should. Because we want you to have great health, glowing skin, brain and heart health et al on point.
1. High in fibre, low on calories – great for weight loss
Beetroots are high in dietary fibre; every 100 grams of raw beet contains about 2-3 grams of fibre and as little as 44 calories. That makes it one of those foods you can eat without worrying about your weight.
However, beetroots contain FODMAPs in the form of fructans, which are short-chain carbs that feed the gut bacteria. They’re known to cause unpleasant digestive issues in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome. In such cases, lay off of them if you feel uneasy after consuming them.
2. Dietary nitrates make beetroot a great pre-workout food.
Whether you’re an athlete or a regular workout junkie, having beetroot a few hours before any activity is known to be highly beneficial for the body. The nitrates in the vegetable help your physical performance by improving the efficiency of oxygen in your cells and delays exhaustion.
We suggest you give this natural beetroot powder a shot. Just add a tablespoon to a glass of water, and you’ll be good to go.
3. So pigmented! It’s the antioxidants.
Beets are rich in antioxidants known as betacyanins, which lends them their gorgeous colour. The antioxidants are also responsible for a couple of medicinal health benefits—such as improving blood circulation, purifying blood, and preventing the growth of cancer cells.
On that note, introduce yourself to this beetroot multi-millet pasta. It’s all kinds of awesome.
4. Good for the brain
The superfood contains nitrates that help in increasing blood flow to the brain, improve cognitive function and also reduce the risk of dementia. So the next time your brain’s fried and you reach out for a packet of chips for some mindless munching, let it be these.
5. Beetroot improves heart health
According to a study published in the Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology in 2017, the dietary nitrate in beetroot helps dilate blood vessels to decrease blood pressure, which massively reduces the risk of a heart attack.
While you’re at it, ensure that your furry friends at home get their required dose with these beetroot dog snacks.
You may also like: 12 Reasons Why You Must End Your Meals With a Bite of Jaggery
Find simple ways to consume it—from raw in salads to grating it in curd, to even mixing it in pancakes or parathas. In all honesty, beetroots have great health benefits for your body. If you don’t eat some, you lose out on a lot.
(Edited by Shruti Singhal)
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