Beetroot Health Benefits Best Tips to Grow This Delicious Vegetable
Vibrant red or gold beetroot has been planted everywhere from the ancient Mediterranean to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. In modern times, hybrid species of beets even have candy-cane stripes of red and white. All colors of beetroot have the same rich, earthy taste and liven the plate with their rainbow hues. The leaves and roots of beets are packed with nutrition, including antioxidants that fight cell damage and reduce the risk of heart disease. They’re one of the few vegetables that contain betalains, a powerful antioxidant that gives beets their vibrant color. Betalains reduce inflammation and may help protect against cancer and other diseases. Health Benefits Beets have many helpful plant compounds that reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. Some of the other health benefits of beetroot include: Increase Stamina Beetroot and its juice help your heart and lungs work better during exercise. Nitric oxide from beets increases blood flow to your muscles. Some athletes eat beetroot or drink beet juice when exercising to improve their performance. Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke Beets are rich in folate (vitamin B9) which helps cells grow and function. Folate plays a key role in controlling damage to blood vessels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Lower Blood Pressure Beets are naturally high in nitrates, which are turned into nitric oxide in the body. This compound lowers blood pressure by causing the blood vessels to relax and widen. Boost Your Immune System Beets are high in fiber and promote the growth of good bacteria in your gut. Having plenty of healthy bacteria in your digestive system helps fight disease and boost your immune system. Fiber also improves digestion and reduces the risk of constipation. Nutrition Beetroot nutrients include folate—a vitamin that helps keep your blood vessels healthy—and potassium to help protect your heart. Beets are also an excellent source of: - Folate - Manganese - Vitamin C - Vitamin A - Potassium HOW TO Beetroot grows best in fertile, well-drained soil. Prior to sowing, dig in a bucketful of well-rotted garden compost or other organic matter. Then rake in a handful per square metre/yard of Growmore or other general-purpose fertiliser. When the seedlings are about 2.5cm (1in) high, thin out to leave one every 10cm (4in). During dry spells, water every 10–14 days. If plants aren’t growing strongly, apply high nitrogen fertiliser (30g/1oz per sq m/yd), such as sulphate of ammonia, and water in. Read the full article
