August 22, 2020 · Written by Foodtolive Team
Beetroot Powder: Nutrition, Health Benefits and Uses
What is beetroot powder
Are you looking for a beetroot powder? If so, then this article is for you.
Beetroot powder is a superfood made of the low-temperature beetroot grinding process. It is slightly sweet, and it has an earthy smell. Beetroot powder is a natural remedy used for health and self-care as well as for cooking. Interestingly, beetroot powder has the same nutrition value as the whole product – in the very production process, beets are removed from the juice and then grounded. Such a procedure allows the manufacturer to save all the useful properties of the beetroot.
Nutrition facts
Beetroot powder nutrition is rich in carbohydrates, protein, fiber, magnesium, phosphorus, loads of vitamins, namely Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, iron, folate, calcium. According to the USDA Agricultural Research Data, there are 20 g of fiber, 80 g of carbs, 20 g of protein in one portion of beetroot powder. [1]
Health benefits of beetroots
Beetroot powder health benefits are enormous. Due to its nutrition value, beetroot powder boosts the functioning of the immune system. Being high in nitrates, it lowers blood pressure.
Vitamin C performs sterilizing, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and metabolic functions. Cellulose can promote the excretion of toxins in the stomach.
Consequently, eating beetroot powder helps digestion. Medical experts believe that this useful ingredient can effectively eliminate water in the abdomen and relieve bloating.
One more significant value of beetroot powder is iodine content that plays a crucial role in human metabolism. There is a general idea that the lack of iodine may cause goiter. Therefore, consuming beetroot powder can supplement iodine to prevent thyroid enlargement.
As we know, beetroot contains iron more than other vegetables. Therefore, it’s an excellent remedy from anemia.
Side effects
It’s hard to underestimate the pros of beetroot powder. However, overeating or improper usage may cause side effects. Since beets contain oxalates, excessive consumption may cause kidney stones or allergy issues. Beetroot powder is not recommended for people with diabetes, diarrhea, and high stomach acidity.
Chefs use beetroot powder in a variety of ways; as a food coloring, beetroot powder can be added to any dishes, creams, pastries, cakes, muffins, etc. or merely used as a decoration for dishes. Besides, this product is excellent as a nutritional supplement in its pure form since one teaspoon of powder contains a good dose of daily nutrients and vitamins. It can also be added as a dye to soups, sauces, and drinks, which will give the dishes definite flavors.
Beetroot Powder as a valuable source in cosmetology and cuisine
Is beetroot powder used for consumption only? Apparently, no. Beetroot powder is beneficial from the cosmetological perspective as well. Experts recommend that people with sensitive skin or allergy use beetroot powder as an alternative to modern make-up (dry blush, for instance).
Furthermore, beetroot powder can serve as a tint tool. Boil the mix of powder with water. After cooling, apply on the lips and cheeks to brighten the natural skin tone – the results are fantastic! Interestingly, the fusion of beetroot powder with wax will result in lipstick!
All beetroot dishes improve blood circulation. Therefore, they are largely used in cuisine. For example, beetroot powder juice rich in vitamins and antioxidants is magnificent for your liver health and general well-being. If you have high blood pressure, we recommend a glass of fresh beetroot juice.
Beetroot powder smoothie is an excellent source of vitamins 30 minutes before any workout. Just a glass of it will energize those keen on sports, though note that for some people drinking beetroot powder smoothie can cause stomach upset.
Daily dosage
If beetroot powder has proved to be so beneficial, what is the recommended dosage? As a dietary supplement, the recommended dosage for beetroot powder is 3,500 to 7,000 mg per day. Still, you should consult with a medical expert before consuming any supplement, including beetroot powder, to avoid side effects.
Pre-workout element
Nowadays, more and more people are into a healthy lifestyle and a wholesome diet. Considering that beetroot powder juice can lead to increased efficiency in running, it is a fantastic pre-workout. This incredible effect is due to food nitrates. Nitric oxide helps to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow, reduce oxygen demand during physical exertion, increase the efficiency of energy processes in mitochondria, and reduce pressure. It is recommended to try out the drink before exercising to figure out how your digestion will react.
So why do people use beetroot powder?
From all mentioned above, we can differentiate the following reasons:
• to normalize blood pressure
• to prevent cardiovascular disease
• to boost the functioning of the endocrinological system
• to improve the operation of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas
• to fight with cold flu and the related issues
Main functions of beetroot powder:
• cleanses and brightens your skin
• helps reduce blood cholesterol and triglycerides and lowers high blood pressure and stomach acid
• suppresses inflammation associated with heart disease
Beetroot powder is a great detox. It raises hemoglobin, strengthens blood circulation, cleanses the liver and blood, helps with anemia.
Storage tips
To prolong the storage time of beetroot powder, you should keep it in a cool, dry place without direct sunlight exposure. You can also store it in a freezer or refrigerator.
Cooking dishes with beetroot powder is indeed as easy as one, two, three.
You can boil beetroot powder in warm water or add it to soy milk, honey, and other beverages. You can also add it to cakes and pancakes.
References
1. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/560055/nutrients
