I was recently discussing with a friend that beetroot is excellent for many health problems. He replied that he would rather risk his health than spoil his risotto with pickled beets. And I guess I understand him, my first reaction was similar. I’ve never really liked beets. But the problem was I didn’t know how to process it properly. Today, I know recipes in which I use it regularly. And thanks to that, my cholesterol problems have improved considerably.

For many years, beetroot has been associated with diet. But recently, experts have discovered how significantly it helps in lowering blood pressure. This makes it excellent for high cholesterol as well, which is one of the reasons I included it in my diet. This is despite the fact that the memory of beetroot risotto from the school canteen makes me feel sick. There are tasty ways to consume beets, too.

Beetroot and health effects

Beetroot is one of the most nutritionally rich vegetables. It is high in nitrates, fibre, folate, potassium and antioxidants. It is the nitrates that are key because they are converted in the body into nitric oxide, which promotes the dilation of blood vessels, improves blood flow and generally increases vascular elasticity. Studies show that regular consumption of beetroot can contribute to lower blood pressure, after just two weeks.

In terms of high blood pressure (hypertension), beetroot is one of the best researched foods. Experts in the field of cardiology and clinical nutrition stress that beetroot is not a substitute for treatment, but can be an effective dietary supplement to promote cardiovascular health, especially when included in the diet for a long time.

Most of us know beetroot in pickled or raw form. But have you ever tried to make a spread or fruit juice out of it? ━━ Most of us know beetroot in pickled or raw form. But have you ever tried to make a spread or fruit juice out of it? ( Source: Milada Vigerova /  Unsplash+ )

Spread and beetroot juice

Some people might like pickled beetroot. My grandmother, for example, can get tired of it and puts it on her risotto regularly. Personally, I know many more people who thankfully refuse this dish. Fortunately, it’s not the only way to incorporate vegetables into your diet. Have you ever tried making a beetroot spread? Simply boil, peel and grate the beetroot into a bowl along with cottage cheese or sour cream. A creamy mixture is created, which you season with salt, pepper or lemon. After a few hours, during which the flavours combine beautifully, the spread tastes great on bread.

My favourite recipe using beetroot is for fruit juice. I simply juice the vegetables and combine them with carrots and apples, as they take away the earthy flavour of the beetroot and make the juice sweet. Experts recommend not drinking beetroot juice on its own. It is usually mixed with other ingredients to make it both tastier and gentler on the stomach. You can add orange juice, ginger or even a little cucumber juice.