Beetroot was recently the news for the wrong reasons. Supply issues in recent months saw a shortage of packeted beetroot on supermarket shelves.
However, now that supplies have increased, we turn our attention to beetroot’s apparent health benefits.
It turns out, beets are really vegetable Viagra, as UK TV doctor Michael Mosley suggested before his recent passing. In addition to reducing your blood pressure and detoxing your liver, here’s some more of the science.
What’s so special about beetroot?
Beetroot, berries, nuts and leafy greens are superfoods. Beetroot in particular contains above-average levels per gram of certain vitamins and minerals, particularly Vit B and C, minerals, fibre and antioxidants.
Most cooking methods don’t significantly alter its antioxidant levels. Pressure cooking does, however, lower levels of carotenoid (a type of antioxidant) compared to raw beetroot.
But onto the juicier stuff. The Romans are said to have used beetroot and its juice as an aphrodisiac. Plus, a number of scientific studies have investigated the effect of beetroot on libido and other aspects of sexual health.
How does it work?
When we eat beetroot, chemical reactions involving bacteria and enzymes transform the nitrate in beetroot into nitrite, then to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps dilate (widen) blood vessels, improving circulation.
Nitric oxide also controls testosterone, and its role in controlling blood flow before and during sex in men. Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest there could be a link between beetroot and preparedness for sex.
What else could it do?.
Beetroot may be a potentially helpful treatment for various health issues related to oxidative stress and inflammation, such as cancer and diabetes. The idea is that you can take beetroot supplements or eat extra beetroot alongside your regular medicines (rather than replace your medication).
Beetroot juice can also help lower systolic blood pressure (the first number in your blood pressure reading) by 2.73-4.81 mmHg (i.e. millimetres of mercury, the standard unit of measuring blood pressure).
How to get more beetroot in your diet
- raw beetroot – grate raw beetroot and add it to salads or coleslaw, or slice beetroot to use as a crunchy topping for sandwiches or wraps
- cooked beetroot – roast beetroot with olive oil, salt and pepper for a flavour packed side dish. Alternatively, steam beetroot and serve it as a standalone dish or mixed into other dishes
- beetroot juice – make fresh beetroot juice using a juicer. You can combine it with other fruits and vegetables for added flavour. You can also blend raw or cooked beetroot with water and strain to make a juice
- smoothies – add beetroot to your favourite smoothie. It pairs well with fruits such as berries, apples and oranges
- soups – use beetroot in soups for both flavour and colour.
- pickled beetroot – make pickled beetroot at home, or buy it from the supermarket. This can be a tasty addition to salads or sandwiches
- beetroot hummus – blend cooked beetroot into your homemade hummus for a vibrant and nutritious dip. You can also buy beetroot hummus from the supermarket
- grilled beetroot – slice beetroot and grill it for a smoky flavour
- beetroot chips – slice raw beetroot thinly, toss the slices with olive oil and your favourite seasonings, then bake or dehydrate them to make crispy beetroot chips
- cakes and baked goods – add grated beetroot to muffins, cakes, or brownies for a moist and colourful twist.
Sounds like a ‘beetroot’ take on Bubba Gump’s famous ‘shrimp’ speech in Forrest Gump, doesn’t it!
