BEETS BY NATURE!

Anyone who knows my posts well know how much I love to talk beets! I will keep it brief, but please know that there will be a future post or two that cover this super powerful root!

Minerals:

Beets are high in zinc, copper, and vitamins A and C; all nutrients known to boost immunity. Vitamin A increases antibody production and stimulates your white blood cells, which help ward off infections. Beets also contain iron, which is needed to carry oxygen throughout your body, keep your cells strong, and enhance immune defense.

Nitric Acid:

Beets are an INCREDIBLE source of nitrates(compounds that convert to nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide opens up your blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure and heart rate)

Researchers found that drinking one cup of beetroot juice daily for four weeks was able to reduce blood pressure. Some participants were even able to reduce some types of blood pressure medication as a result. The overall function of blood vessels was also improved...IN JUST FOUR WEEKS!

The nitrates in beets improve blood flow, which helps move oxygen throughout your body. Endurance athletes often drink beetroot juice to improve performance. Better oxygen flow means that the athlete’s heart and lungs don’t have to work so hard during exercise, allowing them to perform vigorous activity for longer!

BRAIN FUNCTION:

Many cognitive diseases appear to be triggered by an interruption in nitric oxide pathways. It makes sense then that nitrates in beets can help improve brain function by increasing oxygen flow.

Beets can reduce all of the inflammation in the body, improve digestive health, and improve the quality of the hemoglobin of the blood.

BETANIN:

Beets are known to have antioxidant properties, which protect cells from free radicals.

Most specifically, the betanin in beets has been studied for its ability to protect against cancer. Some researchers even see the potential for beet extracts for use in chemotherapy.

BY THE WAY:

Drinking beet juice before exercise helps prevent fatigue, and helps prevent muscles from exhausting, so THINK ABOUT THAT the next time you're afraid of participating in my fitness sessions!!!

Preparation:

We generally juice all of our beets, unless I feel like softening them to add to salads. To soften, simply peel with a peeler, quarter the beet, then slice thinly. Simmer 1 beet in 1 cup of apple juice and one cup of water. Then cool down in refrigerator, transfer into a sealable container and add to salads for an

INCREDIBLE nutritional boost.

OKAY OKAY, maybe not very brief, but there's so much more to discuss about beets!

To be continued...

#iamkalmesewell