Okay, so admittedly Berry-licious is not actually a real word, but it was the best word to describe this very tasty smoothie.
I bought some delicious raw beetroots from my local farm shop yesterday and decided to add them into my morning smoothie.
Beetroots are a great vegetable, not only do they add a lovely rich purple to dishes they also add a great flavour and pack a powerful nutritional punch.
If you suffer from high blood pressure, the nitrates in the beetroots have the potential to lower your blood pressure. These naturally occurring nitrates turn into nitric oxide which help to relax and dilate the blood vessels.
These same nitrates will also help improve your stamina, so great for a pre-workout drink.
Beetroots also act as an anti- inflammatory in the body, due to a nutrient called Betaine that helps protect cells from environmental stress. (Spinach is the other food source containing Betaine).
Beetroots also contain important vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C which helps support the immune system, fibre for a healthy digestive system, and potassium to maintain a healthy nervous system. Beetroot also contains manganese which is good for your bones, liver and pancreas.
There is also some research to suggest that beetroots may have anti- cancer properties, although more research is needed to confirm this.
Beetroots have a lovely subtle sweet flavour so really add colour and sweetness to this smoothie, try it and see for yourself:
Beetroot Berry-licious Smoothie
1 small apple, unpeeled and cored and chopped
2 small cooked beets, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
coconut milk to top up
1 small handful of watercress- optional
Method
Blend all the ingredients together in a high speed blender, mix and enjoy. You can use fresh berries and add a few ice cubes if you prefer. Or add another green such as kale instead of the watercress.
Ref:
articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archives/2014/01/25beets-health-benefits.aspx
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