Depending on which type of betalain pigment and the concentration, beetroots can vary in colour from red to purple or even yellow to orange.
Drinking beet juice may help to lower blood pressure in a matter of hours. It is likely this benefit comes from the naturally occurring nitrates in beets, which are converted into nitric oxide in your body. Nitric oxide helps to relax and dilate your blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
Beets are a unique source of betaine, a nutrient that helps protect your cells from environmental stress. It’s also known to help fight inflammation, protect internal organs, improve vascular risk factors, and enhance performance.
Beet juice has long been touted as a blood purifier and blood builder because it helps build red blood cells.
Did you know, discolouration of the urine, to red or pink, after eating beets is called beeturia. It’s caused by the betalain pigments in the beets breaking down and being excreted. The stomach acid and the flora of the gut play an important role in breaking down the pigments in food, so if they are low or compromised you may experience beeturia.
Blood Cleansing Beet Smoothie
Drink this vibrant red smoothie to cleanse your blood and revitalise your cells.
- 1 cup beetroot juice
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1/2 cup mixed frozen berries
- 2 frozen bananas
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
