Embracing a nutritious diet is vital for maintaining heart health, and there’s one budget-friendly item that could make a significant difference. The stresses of daily life, coupled with juggling work and family responsibilities, can put a strain on this essential organ.
As we age, prioritizing heart health becomes even more important, necessitating a commitment to regular physical activity and healthy eating. According to the Heart Research Institute UK, beetroot is an excellent choice for heart health, and it’s available for just 78p at Asda. Known for their distinct heart-like shape, vibrant hues, and earthy taste, beetroots are packed with nutrients.
This root vegetable is loaded with vital vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds, many of which have therapeutic properties and contribute to overall health.
The Heart Research Institute highlights, “Beetroot has been rising in popularity, particularly regarding its potential benefits for sports performance.
“Beetroot and beetroot juice are rich in nitrates, which have been the focus of studies examining their impact on endurance in exercise.
“While research results are mixed, with some studies suggesting enhanced performance and others showing no significant effects, the potential benefits of beetroot continue to be explored.”
It adds that whole beetroots are a great source of dietary fibre, vitamins and antioxidants, and their vibrant colour can liven up even the most boring of dishes.
For anyone wondering how to eat them, it says they are great roasted, baked, added to salads and blended into smoothies.
BBC Good Food suggests a beetroot and squash curry which takes just 30 minutes to prepare.
Alternatively, a beetroot, blood orange and fennel salad is another option which could be the perfect addition to lunch.
Speaking about the recipe, Julius Roberts writes: “It’s good to eat something fresh, bright and colourful too.
“Beetroots are a vegetable that just exude health and vitality – rich, earthy and full of flavour, you can feel them doing you good.”
The British Heart Foundation says a regular glass of beetroot juice can reduce signs of inflammation in blood vessels that are known to be increased in people with coronary heart disease, according to research.
If you’re hoping to add more healthy food into your diet, beetroot is an easy place to start.
