Beetroot, a look at this nutritious root vegetable

Beetroot is a nutritious root vegetable belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family. Their vibrant red color and sweet, earthy flavor make them popular in a variety of dishes. They owe their red color to the natural dye betanin. Beetroots are not only full of flavor, but also offer numerous health benefits.

Origin, where do they come from?

The red beet originates from southern Europe, around the Mediterranean. The beetroot is a root vegetable and comes from the amaranth family. Its Latin name: wildebeta vulgaris var maritima, in English ‘sea beet’ and in Dutch beach beet. It occurs along the coast of southern Europe and western Asia.

Although the red beet is perhaps the best known, there are also white, orange, pink and yellow beets in different sizes and shapes.

What benefits does beetroot have for your health?

The nutritional value of red beets is impressive. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, folic acid, potassium and manganese. In addition, they are rich in dietary fiber. This combination of nutrients makes beetroot a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

In addition to their nutritional value, red beets also have important health benefits. They contain powerful antioxidants that help fight inflammation and protect cells from free radical damage. Beetroot can help detoxify the liver. In addition, they can lower blood pressure and promote heart and blood vessel health.

Are cooked red beets less healthy?

During the cooking process, some nutrients may decrease slightly, but most of the important nutrients are retained. If you cook them yourself, don’t overcook them as this can increase nutrient loss.

Cooked beetroot may even provide some benefits. The cooking process softens the fiber in beetroot and makes it easier to digest. This can aid in better absorption of nutrients in the digestive system.

Can you eat too much beetroot?

These root vegetables contain nitrate. Nitrate can be converted into nitrite in the body, which can reduce the oxygen level in the blood. Yet this dosage is so low and the harm to your health is minimal that it can be neglected.

Red beets on the menu:

In terms of preparation, there are several options for red beets. They can be boiled, roasted, steamed or eaten raw. Salads, soups, stews and juices are just some of the many dishes that use beetroot. In addition, the leaves of beetroot, known as beet tops, can be prepared and eaten as a leafy vegetable, similar to spinach or Swiss chard.

In addition to their culinary uses, beetroot also has a natural dye called betanin, which can be used in foods and textiles.

In short, beets are versatile vegetables packed with nutrients and health benefits. Add them to your diet to enjoy their flavor and health benefits.”

I try to follow a beetroot cure for at least 5 days every year. Then my focus is on all possible recipes and drinks with this root vegetable. Don’t be alarmed if your urine or poop turns dark or red on the 2nd or 3rd day. Every day I choose 3-4 recipes with beetroot:

• 2 glasses of beetroot juice.

• Beetroot smoothie with blueberries

• Yogurt with beetroot and granola

• Beetroot salsa (mixture of beetroot with a fruit such as strawberry or cherry…)

• Beetroot dip

• Salmon tartare with beetroot

• beetroot Soup

• Salad with beetroot, apple and mozzarella

• Beetroot risotto

In short, you can find numerous recipes and combine them endlessly.