Fruits and vegetables are an integral part of any healthy diet, but filling your plate with versatile produce will maximize the health benefits you get out of every bite.
One versatile veggie you should incorporate into your diet are beets! This vividly-colored root vegetable has more to it than its stunning hue. It’s great for heart-health and has loads of nutrients.
According to experts, beets have plenty of nitrates, which, during the digestion process, convert to nitrite and nitric oxide. Nitrite and nitric oxide are components that support healthy blood pressure levels and are linked to a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure.
If you are an athlete, beetroot juice should be your go-to drink to improve performance and increase endurance. Many athletes say that beets help support muscle recovery as well, which means they can dedicate more training time to maximize their potential.
The high quantity of phytonutrients called anthocyanins and betalains found in beets also help the liver do its job. The extra support the liver gets allows your body to get rid of toxins even more effectively than it already does.
Beets are not only versatile in their health benefits, but in the ways they can be prepared and enjoyed. For breakfast, indulge in red velvet pancakes. Or if you’re on the go, throw a beet or two into a tasty and energizing morning smoothie. Vegan beetroot curry or beet soup is a heavier option for lunch and dinner. For in-between meals, temper your hunger with a healthy beetroot slaw or a yummy beet and sage dip.
For more beet-inspired recipes, click here.
