If I had to name an iconic Australian food off the top of my head, beetroot always springs to mind. Beetroot, lamingtons and vegemite of course! Aussies have been consuming beetroot at backyard BBQ's for years with little thought to the amazing health benefits this earthy root vegetable brings. There has been significant interest in beetroot over the past couple of years in the health arena as people look to their diet to improve overall well being.

One of the reasons for the growing interest in beetroot is that it contains dietary nitrate, which research has shown can improve cardiovascular health. The nitrate found in beetroot is metabolised into nitrite, which is further reduced into NO (Nitric Oxide). NO has been found to have a critical role in regulating vascular homeostasis which in turn can help with preventing many common cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. In addition to having heart health benefits, beetroot has also been found to enhance muscle oxygenation during exercise, therefore improving performance in athletes. Beetroot is also a source of phytochemical compounds which include ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), carotenoids and flavonoids which are all antioxidant cancer fighting compounds.

If all of that wasn't enough to have you stocking up next time you're at the green grocer, beetroot is also one of the few vegetables that contain a group of highly bioactive pigments called betalains. This pigment in beetroot is responsible for its distinctive deep purple colour and research has shown that it has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These can have a protective effect on cells against oxidative damage which are known to increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer. What is most important is that they have also been proven to be bioavailable, meaning they are easily absorbed through digestion.

The great thing about this hearty veg is that it is incredibly versatile to work with in the kitchen. Amazing raw when finely shredded into a crisp coleslaw,  rich and earthy when roasted with carrots and balsamic vinegar or add it to your juicer to give your morning kick start an interesting colour and flavour.

You might think differently about beetroot the next time you put some on your plate this summer. Heart health, antioxidants and full of fibre, not to mention delicious!

Alex

&nbsp;