Get that beetroot down you

Published: Wed 12 Jul 2017, 7:39 PM

Last updated: Wed 12 Jul 2017, 9:42 PM

In case you're wondering why you need to add more beetroot to your diet immediately, we'll help you get started. To begin with, it's bursting with colour, and sweet, earthy flavours. In addition, it is hailed as one of the greatest superfoods. What's more, it complements everything, be it salads, burgers or roasted vegetables. But how often do you include beetroot in your diet? I'm sure the answer to that will be 'not nearly enough'.
Dark red, white, yellow or golden, the humble beetroot is a little treasure trove of health. You can eat it raw, roast it, blend it into a soup or smoothie (or a dairy-free chocolate and beetroot cupcake) or simply drink it as a juice like the athletes do; studies have shown that those who consume raw beetroot juice see a significant increase in physical tolerance and stamina.
When it comes to its benefits, I can't rave enough; it's rich in essential nutrients - folate, manganese, potassium, vitamin C, zinc, iron and copper are just a few that it packs in. It's great at lowering blood pressure levels too, as it's a great source of nitrates. These are converted to nitric oxide when consumed, which increase the amount of oxygen that flows through the blood by widening the arteries. Drink it as juice and the results will be more effective. It acts as a powerful anti-oxidant too, thanks to high levels of glutathione and polyphenols that help to rid the liver of toxins and other harmful substances. Antioxidants play a key role in the prevention of most chronic diseases due to their ability to counteract the effects of free radical damage to human tissue. So, in other words, get that beetroot down you.
It's extremely easy to add it to your diet, yet it's an often over-looked ingredient when cooking or eating out. You can use the juice to colour red velvet cupcakes and add it to a mezze platter too. Or sample a beetroot bun, pita bread with a beetroot hummus dip, and more.

Kinsley is the head chef of Flow, the healthy eating and creative hub, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, where he has helped develop the health conscious menu and heads up the strong, young team.

By Christopher Kinsley

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