Dr. Michael Mosley, famous for advocating 5:2 diets (eating normally for five days then following a two-day diet) and being named Medical Journalist of the Year by the British Medical Association, recently highlighted THE benefits beets. During an interview carried out by the 15.5 podcast, as reported by the English media Gloucestershire Live, the doctor explained that the nitrates present in beets are converted into nitric oxide by bacteria in our mouth. This reaction causes the vasodilatationthat is to say the widening of our blood vessels.
Beetroot: a great ally for our heart health
The vasodilation resulting from the consumption of beets would lower blood pressure, which would be beneficial for heart health, explains the doctor. In addition, eating beets would have a particularly interesting effect on the elderly, by providing them with boost of energy. Dr. Mosley even compares beets to Viagra, explaining that the mechanism is similar: “Viagra works by releasing nitric oxide, causing blood vessels to expand, primarily around the genitals. This is another good reason to eat beets!“. The doctor specifies that in Roman times, beetroot was already used as an aphrodisiac.
Beetroot: an unloved vegetable
Dr. Mosley stated that the beet is one of the vegetables he suggests people eat as often as possible. However, although its virtues are undeniable, the challenge often lies in how to integrate it into our daily diet. Doctor says innovative recipes could make this vegetable more appetizing.
How can you eat beets?
- Flood: grated or cut into very thin slices and seasoned with a vinaigrette, it is excellent.
- With the leaves : did you know that its leaves are prepared like spinach and can be eaten cooked as well as raw? They are full of vitamins (B2, B9, K).
- Cooked : to limit the loss of its good nutrients, always cook your beets with the skin on. Peeling it afterwards will be very easy.
- In soup : mix the already cooked beets (purchased sous vide or cooked at home) in vegetable broth and serve with heavy cream.
- In juice: just pass the raw beetroot in the blender with possibly 1 or 2 carrots. An excellent health drink that can also be found in organic stores in the form of fermented beet juice.
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