Listen to These Beets About this Popular Superfood
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Written By Kayanne McDermott, B.A., ND.
Kayanne holds a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of Bridgeport, College of Naturopathic Medicine and C.W. Post of Long Island University, respectively. Meet Kayanne for a free nutritional consultation at our Ralph Avenue, Brooklyn and Westbury, Long Island retail locations. Email Kay: [email protected]
Have you heard of beetroot, the hidden gem of a root vegetable that is often overlooked? This round, red vegetable is completely distinct from the source of table sugar – the carrot-shaped, yellowish sugar beet!
Red beets contain vitamin C, minerals, and carotenoids but it is the nitrate content of red beet that is so special; it is converted to bioactive nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is natural to the body and is used to open up our blood vessels for good blood flow. This is helpful in maintaining normal blood pressure due to its relaxing and dilating effects on blood vessel walls. Nitric oxide also enhances muscle function and improves physical performance. It benefits endurance, stamina, and muscle recovery. This is because the improved blood flow enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to all of our muscles, including the heart, while clearing waste acids that could otherwise build up in muscle during physical activity. The rich, red color comes from betalains. Betalains are a group of powerful heart healthy antioxidants that are protective for the circulatory system and the brain.†
Montmorency Tart Cherries complement red beets in numerous ways due to their extremely beneficial anthocyanin content. Mixing the red beet vegetable with this tart fruit enhances exercise performance, endurance, and accelerates the rate of muscle recovery after physical activity. Both plants improve cerebral blood flow and supply antioxidants that support memory and cognitive functions and both improve circulatory health for blood pressure normalizing benefits.†
Questions about beets? Leave us a comment below to discuss!
