Beets are one of nature’s healthiest foods and have been around for centuries. In recent years, beets have become increasingly popular due to the many powerful health benefits they offer. Beets contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help protect your body from diseases and keep you feeling healthy and energized.
The best way to consume beets is in a smoothie. Beet smoothies are delicious, easy to make, and highly nutritious. Plus, they contain an impressive amount of iron, which can help you stay energized throughout the day. This article will discuss why you should consider adding beets to your smoothie routine and how to create the best recipe for maximum iron benefits.
Benefits of Eating Beets
Beets are root vegetables that are being increasingly recognized for their nutritional benefits. They are high in essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, folate, and manganese, and are also an excellent source of dietary nitrates which can support cardiovascular health. Consuming beets can also help boost energy levels and improve digestion. Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of eating beets.
Low Iron Levels
Beets are a great source of iron, which helps form red blood cells in your body and supports metabolic processes. A cup of beets contains about 1.8 milligrams of iron or 10 percent of the daily recommended value.
Furthermore, beetroot contains ferritin and vitamin C, which helps reduce the symptoms associated with low iron levels in the body. Eating beets on a regular basis can improve your overall energy levels, alertness, and concentration because the iron within them can keep hemoglobin levels at healthy levels in your blood.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Beets are a unique source of betalains, which have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that fight cell damage and support healthy aging. They contain high amounts of antioxidants such as vitamin C and other important vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and selenium.
Additionally, beets are an excellent source of dietary fiber which promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This helps to reduce inflammation levels in the body.
Beets also contain a compound known as betaine which has anti-inflammatory effects. Betaine is known to reduce damage from oxidative stress and can help protect against cancer development and other inflammatory diseases.
Furthermore, research has shown that beets possess strong antioxidant benefits which can help prevent cell damage from free radicals. Beets provide a variety of health benefits due to their abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them an excellent addition to any balanced diet for those looking for a natural way to prevent inflammation in their bodies.
High Fiber Content
Beets are a good source of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber intake is important for healthy digestion as well as weight management, and beets are a great way to get it. Half a cup of cooked beets contains 2 grams of fiber, which is 8% of the daily recommended value.
Studies have shown that diets high in fiber can help lower both cholesterol and blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, by consuming more dietary fiber you can help reduce your risk of certain types of cancer.
Beet Smoothie Recipes
Beet smoothies are a delicious and nutritious way to get the health benefits of beets. Beets contain vitamins A, B, and C, minerals like magnesium and iron, as well as dietary fiber and disease-fighting antioxidants. From cleansing, the liver to boosting energy levels, adding a beet smoothie to your diet can provide a whole range of health benefits. Let’s look at some tasty recipes for beet smoothies now.
Beet Root Smoothie
A Beetroot smoothie is a great way to get the many health benefits of beets in a delicious and easy-to-make beverage. Beets are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
They are also low in calories and high in nutrients, making them a popular choice when looking to increase your daily intake of essential vitamins and minerals. When combined with other ingredients such as greens, fruits, and proteins, beets can make a wonderfully healthy smoothie.
Beetroot smoothies are simple to make with just a few ingredients. Start with one large or two small fresh or frozen beetroots, cleaned and peeled. Then add one ripe banana (preferably frozen), one cup of fresh or frozen spinach leaves, 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk (or dairy milk), and one tablespoon of your favorite nut butter such as peanut butter or almond butter for extra nutrition and creaminess.
Blend everything together until you have a nice, thick consistency; if needed add more liquid (water or milk). Optionally top with bee pollen for added nutrition. Enjoy your beet smoothie immediately for the best taste!
Beet Leaves Smoothie
Beet leaves can add a unique, earthy flavor to smoothies that can be quite pleasing. A beet leaf smoothie is simple and easy to make, and it also happens to be nutritious. Beet leaves are loaded with vitamins A and C, while also offering beneficial antioxidants, calcium, potassium, and more minerals.
To make a classic carrot-apple-beet leaves smoothie: blend 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/2 cup packed beet leaves (center rib removed), 1 apple (diced), 1/2 cup frozen carrots, and 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar together in a blender on high until smooth. Add extra orange juice or water if needed for desired consistency. Enjoy!
You can also mix up the ingredients in your smoothie to make different kinds of variations. For example, you could add spinach for added nutrition as well as avocado for healthy fats and an additional creamy texture. If you like sweetness in your smoothies, try adding pineapple or mango instead of apples or carrots.
And if you’re looking for an additional protein boost besides the naturally occurring protein found in the beet leaves, add a scoop of your favorite type of protein powder during blending. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients until you find something that fits your tastes!
Best Beet Smoothie Recipe
Beets are a great addition to your diet as they are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. The root and leaves of beets contain high amounts of iron, making them an especially great choice for those who need to increase their iron intake.
Moreover, beets can also be a great way to add some sweetness and color to your smoothies. This section will explain the best beet smoothie recipe to reap the maximum low iron benefits.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to make a delicious and healthy beet smoothie. All of the ingredients can be found in most grocery stores.
-1 banana, peeled and sliced
-1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries
-1/2 cup peeled and chopped beetroot
-3/4 cup milk, or any other non-dairy milk
-1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup to make it vegan)
-Ice cubes (optional)
Preparation
To make a delicious beet smoothie, you’ll need the following ingredients: beets, almond milk, Greek yogurt, blueberries, banana, and honey. Start by washing and peeling the beets. Use a food processor to finely chop them. Then place the chopped beets in a country blender with 1 cup of almond milk and ½ cup of Greek yogurt.
Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries and one ripe banana to the blender. Give everything a blitz until all the ingredients are evenly combined into a smooth consistency. Sweeten your beet smoothie with some honey to taste then blend again for about 30 seconds or until fully blended. Serve immediately or chill in your refrigerator for up to 3 days before serving. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Beets contain a variety of essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to your daily needs. One cup of cooked beets (roughly 136 grams) contains approximately:
-Calories: 59
-Protein: 2 grams
-Carbohydrates: 13 grams
-Fiber: 3.8 grams
-Fat: 0.2 grams
-Vitamin C: 7% of the recommended daily intake (RDI)
-Vitamin B6: 5% of the RDI
-Folate: 14% of the RDI
-Potassium: 9% of the RDI
-Manganese: 10% of the RDI
-Magnesium: 6% of the RDiringredientsI additionally, beets are a rich source of healthful compounds such as betalains, polyphenols, and carotenoids. These beneficial compounds are thought to provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best way to reap the iron benefits of beets without becoming overwhelmed by their earthy flavor is to drink them in smoothie form. When prepared properly, a simple blend of beetroot and leaves with some added ingredients like fruits and oats will make a deliciously nutritious drink that provides numerous nutritional benefits.
Always blend with cold liquids or lightly steamed ingredients to preserve the vitamins, minerals, and enzymes found in raw beets. For optimal low-iron benefits, you should keep your portions of beets small as too much can lead to constipation or an upset stomach. If you’re looking for an easy way to get more nutrition into your daily routine, adding a beet smoothie is an easy way to start!