Did you know that beetroot is a superfood?
Pomegreat, the makers of the pomegranate super juice drinks, did – and now they have teamed up with beetroot to bring an exciting new drink to the people of Ireland.
Beetroot is one of the newest ‘super foods’ to hit the headlines. Packed full of nutrients, it has long been used in folk medicine to treat a variety of ailments including fevers and illnesses relating to digestion and the blood. Beetroot has high levels of important vitamins, minerals and micronutrients.
A recent study by a group of doctors at St. Bartholomew’s and the Royal London Hospital has been particularly important in supporting Beetroots claim to super food status. They have shown that a daily dose of natural beetroot juice can have as much effect on blood pressure in healthy volunteers as a conventional tablet prescribed by a doctor. Professor Amrita Ahluwalia, who led the beetroot juice research explains, “the magnitude of the blood pressure reduction surprised us all. The results suggest that the nitrate in beetroot juice acts like a natural aspirin to prevent blood clots and protect the lining of blood vessels, as well as having the additional beneficial effect of lowering blood pressure. I am very excited about what our future researches will reveal.”
However, the buzz about beetroot does not stop there.
Drinking beetroot juice can also increase stamina, giving people more energy and for longer periods of time! A daily dose apparently has more effect on oxygen levels than can be achieved even through training. Scientists credit nitrate in the juice, which they say helps the body to use less oxygen, meaning those exercising feel less tired. It could have a big impact on everyone, from athletes training for big events to pensioners who lack the energy to walk to the shops. Researcher Andy Jones said: ‘We have been amazed by the effects of beetroot juice on oxygen uptake because these effects cannot be achieved by any other known means, including training.’
However, for those of us who would like the benefits but find blushing beets a little too much, they now can drink a delicious combination of beetroot & pomegranate juice. Pomegreat Beetroot is available in the ambient section of Dunnes, Superquinn & all of the bigger independents and is priced at around €2.
All this month we’re running the Her.ie Fitness Revolution in association with PomeGreat Pure Plus – check back to our Health section for daily updates on how to improve your body this New Year!
