Unbeetable Benefits: Discover the Surprising Health and Fitness Perks of Beet Roots (Plus Recipes_

Beets, those deep magenta wonders, are not only a colorful addition to your plate but also a nutritional powerhouse that deserves a place in your health and fitness routine.

Beets, also known as beet roots, are chock full of essential nutrients, antioxidants, and nitric oxide boosters, making them a must-have for anyone who's serious about their well-being.

Don't walk away from this article just yet - beets don't have to taste like they were when we were kids!

I started eating beets again about 10 years ago. I was on a hiatus from beets since childhood until then. My parents fed us squishy canned beets without any seasoning. I had to choke them down. It was horrible!

No wonder I swore off beets for such a long time! I just needed to learn how to roast fresh beets at home to enjoy the wonderful taste as well as the numerous health benefits. Now I can't get enough! I put them in my salad as often as I can buy and keep up with roasting them.

The amazing health benefits of beets

Beets, or beetroots, are full of the good stuff: fiber, folate, potassium, manganese, iron, vitamin C, antioxidants, and nitrates.

Beets are a serious must-have for anyone serious about their well-being.

This vibrant vegetable’s nutrients help to strengthen the immune system, provide healthy muscle function, and improve bone strength.

The secret behind beets’ popularity among athletes lies in their high nitrate content

When eaten, nitrates convert to nitric oxide, which enhances blood flow, oxygen delivery, and energy production in the body. This leads to better endurance, faster recovery, and an overall improvement in athletic performance.

The antioxidants in beets help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Beets are also an excellent source of fiber, which is great for digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer. This can help with weight management.

Ideas for how to eat more beets

Roasted Beets - Simply toss beets in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them in the oven until tender and caramelized for a delicious side dish.

Or, this is my favorite:

Beet Salad - Combine cooked, diced beets with goat cheese, arugula, pepitas, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a delicious and nutritious salad.

Beet Hummus - Blend cooked beets with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for a vibrant twist on traditional hummus.

Beet Chips - Thinly slice beets, season with your favorite spices, and bake or air-fry them until crispy for a healthy and crunchy snack.

Pickled Beets - Preserve beets by pickling them in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices, then enjoy them as a tangy addition to salads, sandwiches, or as a snack on their own.

Beet Risotto - Cook Arborio rice with beets, onions, and vegetable broth for a creamy and colorful beet risotto that's both savory and slightly sweet.

Beet Pesto - Blend cooked beets with basil, garlic, almonds, parmesan cheese, and olive oil for a vibrant pesto sauce to use on pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. This is truly one of the best pesto sauces I have ever tasted.

Grated Beet Slaw - Combine grated raw beets with shredded carrots, cabbage, and a light vinaigrette for a crunchy and nutrient-dense slaw that pairs well with grilled meats or as a standalone salad.

Or try this Beet Root Smoothie recipe:

Ingredients:

1 small beet, peeled and chopped

1 cup frozen mixed berries

1 small banana, peeled

1 cup baby spinach

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/2 cup almond milk or milk of choice

1 tbsp honey or pure maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

In a high-speed blender, add the chopped beet, frozen mixed berries, banana, baby spinach, Greek yogurt, and almond milk. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Adjust the thickness by adding more liquid if the mixture is too thick.

Beets are versatile and nutrient-dense, providing amazing health benefits. Add a beautiful burst of color to your meals and give your body a significant boost in nutrition with beets!

Cheers to better health with beets!