Beetroot
Benefits of Beetroot
- Digestion
- Exercise
- Form: Powder
- Where it's from: Europe
What is Beetroot?
Beetroot provides a range of nutrients, including B vitamins, Vitamin C, minerals (including magnesium, manganese, potassium and sodium) and some protein, and it contains dietary fibre. It also naturally contains betalains (betanin) and plant nitrates.
What does the research say about Beetroot?
Betanin is a compound known for its antioxidant activity. Nitrates help to increase the levels of nitric oxide (NO) in the body, which has multiple functions, including roles in blood flow and muscle contraction. Nitrates have been studied for their effects on blood pressure, as well as on blood lipids and glucose. Nitrate-rich beetroot has also been studied in relation to athletic performance and recovery in some types of exercise.
Beetroot also contains plant compounds such as coumarins, carotenoids and flavonoids, which all have antioxidant properties. It's a good example of why a varied diet rich in plants and vegetables is so widely recommended.