6 of the best things about beetroot (and some recipe suggestions!)

Beetroot is a wonderful vegetable. It can be cooked in so many ways, lasts ages and brings some colour to your dinner plate (and your hands and chopping boards too…) Here are some wonderful (or surprising ) things about beetroot...

It’s a Hangover Cure

Bet you didn’t know it, but beetroot is a Hangover cure. Betacyanin, the pigment that gives beetroot its color, is an antioxidant, so the humble beetroot could be the key to beating your hangover. Betacyanin speeds up detoxification in your liver, which enables your body to turn the alcohol into a less harmful substance that can be excreted quicker than normal.

It’s an Aphrodisiac

One of the earliest known benefits of beetroot is its use as an aphrodisiac during the Roman times (maybe that’s why The Lupanare, the official brothel of Pompeii, which still stands, has its walls adorned with pictures of beetroots). Skeptical? It is not all folklore, as beetroot contains high amounts of boron, which is directly related to the production of human sex hormones.

It Makes You Feel Better

Beetroot also contains betaine, a substance that relaxes the mind and is used in other forms to treat depression. It also contains tryptophan, which is also found in chocolate and contributes to a sense of well-being.

It Gives You a Sugar Rush

Beetroot has one of the highest sugar contents of any vegetable. Up to 10 percent of beetroot is sugar, but it is released slowly into the body, rather than the sudden rush that results from eating chocolate.

It Works as Hair Dye

Since the 16th century, beet juice has been used as a natural red dye. The Victorians used beetroot to dye their hair.

It Can Be Made Into a Wine

Bottoms up! Beetroot can be made into a wine that tastes similar to port.

Some of our favourite ways to use beetroot: 

Beetroot and feta sandwiches with red pesto

Beetroot crisps

Beetroot pancakes (see opposite) 

Honey roast beetroot with carrots

Beetroot pesto

Gluten free chocolate cake (made with beetroot) 

Beetroot with any salad

Grated beetroot in home made coleslaw