Beets’ Healing Properties

The following are the many ways beets are beneficial to a healthier healing body.

• cleanses the blood of toxins

• detoxes and new cell production in the liver

• boosts energy and stamina

• improves digestion

• Lowers cholesterol

• increases blood flow to the brain

• improves blood pressure

Beets for Blood Pressure

1. Nitric Oxide Boost:

Beets are rich in nitrates, compounds that the body converts into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide plays a pivotal role in dilating blood vessels, improving blood flow, and subsequently aiding in blood pressure regulation. Incorporating beets into your diet can be a flavorful strategy to enhance nitric oxide production naturally.

2. Potassium-Rich Goodness:

As a potassium powerhouse, beets contribute to the delicate balance of sodium and potassium in the body, crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. The high potassium content helps counteract the effects of sodium, reducing the strain on the cardiovascular system.

3. Antioxidant Boost:

Loaded with antioxidants, beets combat oxidative stress and inflammation – both factors that can contribute to hypertension. The unique blend of betalains, carotenoids, and flavonoids in beets works synergistically to protect cells from damage and support overall heart health.

4. Fiber for Heart Happiness:

Beets are an excellent source of dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting satiety. A fiber-rich diet is associated with lower blood pressure, making beets an appealing choice for those seeking a heart-healthy lifestyle.

The Art of Beet Consumption:

1. Fresh Beets:

Most people either love or hate the taste of beets.  Which in are you? If you hate them, you can take beet shots using my recipe below or put them in salads mixed with other wholesome ingredients.

• Roast, steam, or boil beets to retain their nutritional value.

• Incorporate them into salads, soups, or as a side dish to complement your meals.

• Try boiling 3-5 beets for 45 minutes, peel them and chop them into cubes. You can eat them plain (which I love).  (See Beet Salad below)

• Adding balsamic vinegar uplevels the healing by adding acetate which helps clean your blood vessel walls while the nitrates in the beets are converted into nitric oxide which dilates and relaxes your blood vessel and arterial walls lowering blood pressure.

2. Juicing:

• Fresh beet juice provides a concentrated dose of nutrients.

• Combine with other heart-healthy ingredients like carrots and apples for a flavorful blend.

• For effective juicing, try building up to 4 ounces of beet juice a day over a period of 4 weeks.  I have a beet juice recipe below to use.  Start with one ounce a day, then the following week 2 ounces a day, after that 3 ounces a day for the following week, and finally four ounces a day for the fourth week. You can stop and check if this has made a difference in your blood pressure. If it’s working to your benefit continue juicing.

3. Beet Powder:

• Convenient and versatile, beet powder can be added to smoothies, yogurt, or even used in baking.

• Ensure the product is free from additives for maximum health benefits.

4. Beet Supplements:

• Supplements can offer a concentrated form of beet extract.

• The prebiotics in the fiber are lost in supplement form

• Supplements can get a bit pricey

Choosing the Best Approach:

The best approach depends on personal preferences and lifestyle. Whole beets provide a spectrum of nutrients and prebiotics, while juicing, beet powder, and supplements offer convenient alternatives for those with busy schedules.

Keep in mind a holistic approach is the best approach

Beets are a natural medicine in their own right, and incorporating them in the most convenient way into your diet will be the most sustainable way to heal your body at the cellular level. One thing to keep in mind is that if you are going to juice and also eat in an unhealthy way, all your efforts will go to waste.  Incorporating the Core Four Way of Eating is a great guideline for what you should be eating.

Heart Healing Beet Juice

Juice the following ingredients and store in a glass airtight container for a few days worth of beet shots.

2 beets

2 carrots

1 medium piece of ginger root

1 green apple (or any apple you prefer)

1 peeled small lemon

Beet - Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa

1 carrot chopped

1 celery stalk chopped

2 boiled beets (cut into bite size squares 1/2” pieces)

1/2 cup chopped parsley

2 green green onions chopped

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Sea salt to taste

1 orange

Instructions

1- cook quinoa according to package instructions, throw in carrots and celery into pot to cook with quinoa

2- Prepare beet salad by combining beets, green onions, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt, and mix well, set aside.

3- when quinoa cools, add half to the beet mixture along with balsamic vinegar and mix well.

4- Spoon into a bowl and garnish sides with orange slices

Enjoy!