Red beetroot is a root vegetable.
It is now grown all over the world and is present on the tables of many people as an ingredient in their regular diet.
It is also used to produce natural food coloring E162 - betanin.
This pigment has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which has been confirmed by many clinical studies.
Beetroot is rich in inorganic nitrates and health-promoting phytochemicals such as ascorbic acid, carotenoids, phenolic acids and flavonoids.
Beetroot - properties
The development of science has proven that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables brings great health benefits. Therefore, at the same time, interest in functional nutrition has increased, that is, food products with proven high efficiency in medicine.
Recently, scientists have been attracted to beetroot. Already in Ancient Rome, it was used as a natural remedy for many ailments.
Its composition contains quite a large amount of nitrates (about 250 mg/kg of raw weight), which are extremely important for the functioning of the circulatory system. However, the beneficial effects of beets do not end there.
There is strong evidence that the physiological effects resulting from its use can lead to better clinical results in pathologies such as hypertension (significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure), atherosclerosis, diabetes II and dementia.
The antioxidant activity of beetroot makes it an effective remedy also in conditions characterized by oxidative stress, such as liver disease and arthritis.
Beetroot is also well known for its protective properties for blood vessels and for maintaining endothelial function and even restoring hemodynamics in the blood vessels of the brain.
It has also been found that its consumption can be an effective means of improving athletic performance. In addition, the components present in beets have a positive effect on cerebral blood flow, resulting in improved cognitive function.
What to make from beets
Both the tubers themselves and the young leaves, called chard, can be used for cooking.
Beetroot can be used both for making juice and as an additive to a dish. It can be a component of a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Beetroot is ideal for making preserves for the winter, so you can enjoy its properties not only during the season, but also in winter, and very often it is also the basis for making cakes or cookies.
To sum it up, beetroot is a vegetable full of valuable nutrients that are responsible for its medicinal properties.
Due to its wide range of applications in the kitchen, beets can be used for both cold and hot dishes, as a side dish or main dish.
It is definitely worth including beets in your diet and enjoying their healing effects on the body.
Earlier we talked about a method for cooking liver that will make it soft and not rubbery.
