I know what some of you are thinking, I’m visualizing my sister’s faces now at the word Beetroot & Orange smoothie 😉
I also had that same reaction for years when I was growing up and would frequently be offered this drink by friends and relatives during my summer holidays in Morocco. But really, hand on heart, if you like beetroot generally like in a salad, there’s a high chance you will like it in this smoothie too!
Beets are an ancient, prehistoric food that grew naturally along coastlines in North Africa, Asia, and Europe. Originally, it was the beet greens that were consumed; the sweet red beet root that most people think of as a “beet” today wasn’t cultivated until the era of ancient Rome. By the 19th century, however, the natural sweetness of beets came to be appreciated and then began to be used as a source of sugar.
Although beets have the highest sugar content of all vegetables, most people can safely eat beet roots a few times a week (and their greens in unlimited quantities), enjoying not only their sweet, earthy flavour but also their powerhouse nutrients that may improve your health in the following ways.
Health Benefits Of Beetroot
1. Beetroot Lowers Your Blood Pressure
Drinking beet juice may help to lower blood pressure in a matter of hours. One study found that drinking one glass of beet juice lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of 4-5 points.
The benefit likely comes from the naturally occurring nitrates in beets, which are converted into nitric oxide in your body. Nitric oxide, in turn, helps to relax and dilate your blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
2. Beetroot Boosts Your Stamina
If you need a boost to make it through your next workout, beet juice may again prove valuable. Those who drank beet juice prior to exercise were able to exercise for up to 16% longer. The benefit is thought to also be related to nitrates turning into nitric oxide, which may reduce the oxygen cost of low-intensity exercise as well as enhance tolerance to high-intensity exercise.
3. Beetroot Fights Inflammation
Beets are a unique source of betaine, a nutrient that helps protects cells, proteins, and enzymes from environmental stress. It’s also known to help fight inflammation, protect internal organs, improve vascular risk factors, enhance performance, and likely help prevent numerous chronic diseases.
4. Beetroot Has Anti-Cancer Properties
The powerful phytonutrients that give beets their deep crimson colour may help to ward off cancer. Research has shown that beetroot extract reduced multi-organ tumour formation in various animal models when administered in drinking water, for instance, while beetroot extract is also being studied for use in treating human pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancers.
5. Beetroot is Rich in Valuable Nutrients and Fiber
Beets are high in immune-boosting vitamin C, fibre, and essential minerals like potassium (essential for healthy nerve and muscle function) and manganese (which is good for your bones, liver, kidneys, and pancreas). Beets also contain vitamin B folate, which helps reduce the risk of birth defects.
6. Beetroot is a Detoxification Support
The betalain pigments in beets support your body’s Phase 2 detoxification process, which is when broken-down toxins are bound to other molecules so they can be excreted from your body. Traditionally, beets are valued for their support in detoxification and for helping to purify your blood and your liver.
Beetroot & Orange Smoothie
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 150 grams Fresh cooked Beetroot peeled and roughly chopped
- 150 grams Fresh Strawberries washed and chopped
- 200 ml 100% natural Orange Juice
- 1 tblsp Natural Organic Honey optional if you prefer it sweeter
- 1 tblsp Non-sweet natural yogurt heaped spoon
i’m reading it right now! Love your blogs keep up the good work.
i’m reading it right now! Love your blogs keep up the good work