Beetroot

Where it's from: Europe

Benefits of Beetroot 

• Gut health
• Energy
• Immunity

What is Beetroot? 

Beetroot provides a rich source of nutrients, including B vitamins, Vitamin C, minerals (including magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium) and proteins, and they’re an excellent source of dietary fibre.

Beetroot naturally contains betalains (betanin) and plant nitrates. Betanin is an active compound acclaimed for having antioxidant properties and a beneficial effect on inflammation. Nitrates help to increase the levels of nitric oxide (NO) in the body which serves multiple functions, from increasing blood flow to strengthening muscle contraction. Research suggests that nitrates can play an important role in lowering blood pressure, lipids and glucose. The intake of nitrate-rich beetroot could support athletic performance and attenuate muscle soreness in some types of exercise.

Beetroot also includes active plant compounds such as coumarins, carotenoids, and flavonoids which all have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which in turn naturally help keep inflammation at bay. Oxidative stress and inflammation are two factors involved in the cause and progression of many chronic health conditions, so a diet rich in antioxidants through plants and vegetables is beneficial for health and wellbeing.