This is a great time of year for delicious, healthy beetroot. Here are some reasons why beetroot is so wonderful!
Nitrates converted in the body to nitric oxide, widens arteries. This increases blood flow lowering blood pressure, reducing risk of dementia and increasing endurance/performance due to increased blood flow.
Betaine helps the liver eliminate toxins. It’s an important methyl donor (methylation is a chemical reaction that produces vital processes in the body), thereby reducing homocysteine and lowering risk of CVD. It helps with depression as it is a neural transporter, increasing the brains ability to maintain sufficient levels of serotonin and dopamine.
Betacyanin, the pigment that give beetroot its’ colour. It’s a powerful antioxidant, preventing oxidation of LDL cholesterol and protecting artery walls, reducing risk of heart disease. It increases detoxification in the liver and is thought to prevent some cancers.
Folic Acid, essential for normal tissue growth. It helps prevent neural tube defects causing Spina Bifida in the first trimester of pregnancy. It’s also a methyl donor.
Silica helps the body utilise calcium, increasing musculo-skeletal strength and lowering osteoporosis risk.
Other nutrients: Iron for anaemia and fatigue, immune-boosting vitamin C, fibre to eliminate waste, and essential minerals like potassium (for nerve and muscle function) and manganese (for bones, liver, kidneys, and pancreas).
Boron, related to sex hormone production. So, with boron and nitric oxide combined, beetroot is quite the aphrodisiac.
Wendy Moxley practices in Galway and can be contacted via emailmoxleywendy@gmail.com
Wendy Moxley practices in Galway and can be contacted via email moxleywendy@gmail.com