I know I am not in the thick of winter snowstorms and subzero temps, but in my SoCal world, it’s still chilly.
The brisk air and the true ease of roasting vegetables has me on a roasted veggie kick. I feel like “eating a rainbow” is easy and fun when it comes to salads…and roasting vegetables. One of the colorful vegetables I love is beets. Its color, texture and health benefits are a win all around.
Nitric Oxide is an important signaling molecule that can regulate skeletal muscle function through its role in regulating blood flow, muscle contractility, blood sugar and respiration. Tissue concentrations of nitrate and nitrite (which are converted to nitric oxide in the body) can be increased by dietary intake of such foods like beets, spinach, and celery. Studies have found that supplementation of natural dietary nitrate sources, such as beets, beet extract or juice, can help promote cardiovascular health and improve muscular efficiency. This is done through increased blood flow, improved oxygen delivery and increased glucose/energy uptake, which leads to possible increased stamina, endurance, performance and recovery.
Beet, the nitrate containing vegetable, can provide the above benefit, as well as a great boost in daily antioxidants and fiber for immunity and overall health!
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