The root vegetable, beetroot is scientifically known as Beta vulgaris. Beets are packed with essential nutrients and minerals like:
Vitamin C
Folate
Iron
Manganese
Potassium
They are also an excellent source of fiber. Beetroots are alkaline in nature. Both beetroots and beet greens can be consumed for health benefits. Beetroots are available during spring, fall and winter, making them
good seasonal detoxifying food.
Health Benefits of Beets
Research show that beetroot effectively activates nitric oxide, which promotes:
Blood flow
Lowers blood pressure
Enhances exercise performance
Beets contain unique phytonutrients called betalains. Betalains
provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support. They are very useful in detoxification of liver.
Beets Per the Doshas
According to Ayurveda, beetroots can be most beneficial to Vata type for the
grounding purpose. Pitta can consume cooked beets due to their cooling nature. Kapha type can consume in small amount due to high sugar content. Khapa and Vata type can enjoy the beet greens as well.
Beetroots are rajasic in raw form and Sattvic in cooked form.
Curious Side Effects of Beets
About 10-15% of US adults experience reddening of urine, called
beeturia after consumption of red beetroots. This phenomenon is harmless but a possible indicator of issues with iron metabolism.
Lemon, Cilantro Beetroot Dish with Yellow Squash /Cucumber
Note- this recipe is suitable for Vata, Pitta and Kapha type.
Ingredients:
1 small cooked beet root
1/2 yellow squash or cucumber chopped into fine pieces or grated
1 tsp coconut oil
1/4 tsp cumin seeds
1 tbs grated fresh or dried coconut
1 tbs finely chopped cilantro
1/4 tbs lemon juice
Salt to taste
Method:
Chop the beet root into small pieces or grate.
In a small sauce pan, heat the oil and add cumin seeds. Let the cumin seeds pop.
Remove from heat.
Add to beet root.
Add salt, coconut, cilantro, lemon juice and yellow squash / cucumber
