Did you know that Aphrodite, The Greek goddess of love, ate beets to increase her beauty and sexual appeal? Thats how beets came to be known as an aphrodisiac.
The Romans evidently agreed, because they ate beets before going into battle or into the bedroom.
http://www.redeemingwellness.com/blog/beets-amp-your-brain-beets-in-the-bedroom
It’s not all myth though. Scientifically beets are loaded with nutrients.
Beetroot is a source of carbohydrates, fiber, protein, minerals, and vitamins; also, it is a natural source of nitrate and is associated with improved sports performance.
In a recent study, Hamid Arazi* and Ehsan Eghbali explore the intake of beetroot and its effect on athletic performance. They ultimately confirm the health benefits and preventative properties of beets.
Beetroot can have various effects on athletic performance through nitric oxide. Nitric oxide seems to be effective in improving athletic performance by increasing oxygen, glucose, and other nutrients for better muscle fueling.
Beetroot is an important source of compounds such as ascorbic acid, carotenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, betaline, and highly active phenolics and has high antioxidant properties.
Beetroot supplement provides an important source of dietary polyphenols which result in many health benefits.
The phytochemicals of beetroot inhibit inflammatory diseases.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.660150/full
The idea of consuming food that has beneficial results for our body and performance is not a new concept, however it is a lifestyle that has long been effaced in our country with fast food restaurants, easily accessible food, and junk food; most of which are marketed to be sexy, fun and delicious.
Why not go back to the time of the Greeks and Romans? There is clear evidence then and now of the benefits of beets and fresh fruits and vegetables in general.
Skip the fast food and make yourself so make yourself a sexy beet salad today!
INGREDIENTS
1 or 2 fresh beets
1 handful of fresh basil
1/2 red onion, chopped
Your favorite vinegarette salad dressing ( I like wishbone balsamic vinegarette)
Squeeze of a lemon
STEP 1
Boil your beets in water until tender, approximately 20 minutes. The boiling of beets will produce a gorgeous red color in the water.
STEP 2
- Chop red onion in bite size pieces
- Slice beets in cubes
- Add salad dressing and basil and squeeze of Lemon
- Toss and Enjoy!
Add some feta cheese if you want to make your salad even more decadent.
Be sure to save the beet juice water in the refrigerator. You can mix it with cranberry juice, or lemon/lime and sugar for an energy boost drink. Or you can add it to a smoothie to make a delicious drink!
See my recipe for beet smoothie in link below:
