The Energising Power of Beetroot: Boost Your Mood and Supercharge Your Exercise Performance
As a Nutritionist to some of Sydney's top performers (in work and sport) I'm always looking for ways to 10x energy and performance easily.
There are a few key foods that pack a powerful punch - offering max performance and energy along with a stack of health-promoting nutrients.
Today, let's chat about the nutritional powerhouse beetroot!
This humble vegetable packs a punch when it comes to nutritional benefits. From supercharging your workouts to improving your overall well-being, let's dive into why beetroot deserves a spot on your plate:
Energy Booster: Need a pick-me-up? Beetroot is your best friend. Packed with natural sugars and carbohydrates, it provides a sustained energy release, keeping you fueled throughout the day. (Say goodbye to those mid-afternoon slumps). Beetroot also boosts dopamine (see below) which helps you feel like you can take on the world.
Mood Enhancer: Feeling down? Beetroot can help brighten your day. It contains betaine, a compound that promotes the production of feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. These brain chemicals are known for their mood-boosting effects, helping you stay positive and focused.
Exercise Performance Amplifier: Looking to take your workouts to the next level? Beetroot has got your back. It's rich in nitrates, which have been shown to improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles by expanding the blood vessels and opening the airways. This means more endurance, reduced fatigue, and enhanced exercise performance. Time to crush those fitness goals!
Antioxidant Powerhouse: Beetroot is brimming with antioxidants, such as betalains, which help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body. This not only supports overall health but also aids in post-workout recovery, allowing your body to bounce back faster.
Nutrient-Rich Goodness: Beetroot is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, folate, potassium, and iron. These nutrients play a vital role in supporting a healthy immune system, maintaining optimal muscle function, and promoting overall well-being.
So, how can you incorporate this ruby-hued gem into your diet? Try adding roasted or steamed beetroot to salads, blending it into smoothies, add it to hummus (my favourite) or even enjoying it as a refreshing juice. The options are endless!
Now that you know the incredible benefits of beetroot for energy, mood-boosting, and exercise performance, it's time to reap the rewards. So next time you're at the grocery store, don't forget to grab some beetroot and hack your way to your superhuman self.
Until next time, stay deliciously healthy.
Jennifer May BHSc(Nut.Med).Adv.Dip.Nut.Med.ATMS
Nutritionist
P.S. Have you tried beetroot before? Share your experience in the comments below and let's inspire each other on this journey to better health!