For years, beetroot was considered unfashionable. Apart from slices being put in hamburgers, it was only ever served from a jar full of vinegar as a rather sad addition to salads.
It also has plenty of health benefits. Good reasons to eat beetroot include:
- It’s a good source of iron and folic acid.
- It is rich in nitrates which, converted to nitric oxide in the body, can reduce blood pressure.
- The high nitrate levels also increase blood flow to the brain, which may help slow the progression of dementia in older people.
- It contains antioxidants like betalain (which gives it its vibrant red colour) and magnesium, which can play a part in preventing cancer.
- It contains potassium and vitamins A, B6 and C – essential for our bodies.
For more on beetroot, see Simon Gault's beetroot tarts recipe here.