Beetroot didn’t play a huge role in my diet, until, at the end of last year, I read a study about the connection between the vegetable and women’s health. Persuaded, I’ve been trying to drink a daily glass of beetroot juice ever since – and am especially diligent about it before and during my period. (The study explained the links between beetroot juice and improved PMS symptoms.)
I find the juice to be by far the most convenient way to load up on all the goodness this nitrate-packed veg contains, so I’ve made drinking a 250ml serving a daily habit.
Why are beetroots so beneficial?
Studies into the benefits of beetroots have typically asked participants to drink between 250ml and 500ml a day. Note that excessive consumption can lead to stomach problems, bloating or diarrhoea. In the week leading up to and during my period, I drink anywhere between 200ml and 250ml per day, and I seek out organic beetroot juice with no added sugar or concentrates. Here are all the reasons why I try to drink it daily.
Beetroot contains several nutrients that play a crucial role during menstruation – most notably, iron, a trace element crucial for the formation of red blood cells and oxygen transport in the body. Beetroot contains iron and folic acid, two nutrients involved in blood formation that also help to prevent fatigue. When I’m feeling fatigued in the days leading up to my period, I try to consciously supply my body with these nutrients to compensate for iron lost during menstruation.
Besides iron, beetroot also contains betanin, polyphenols and vitamin C, which possess antioxidant properties. It also provides various vitamins and minerals that support energy metabolism and are involved in the formation of new cells. B vitamins, in particular, are crucial for numerous metabolic processes in the body.
Another positive component of beetroot is the available nitrates. In the body, nitrates are converted into nitric oxide, a compound that dilates blood vessels and can thus improve blood flow. Improved blood flow, in turn, means that muscles and tissues are better supplied with oxygen. Theoretically, this may help reduce cramps and fatigue – the two main symptoms I experience during my luteal and menstrual phases.
When menopause begins, oestrogen production drops significantly, which can increase women’s risk of cardiovascular disease. Up until menopause, oestrogen has a protective function that helps to relax and dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and regulating blood pressure. Studies have shown that drinking beetroot juice with 400mg of nitrates measurably improves blood vessel function and dilation.
How to make beetroot juice taste better
Beetroots are naturally earthy tasting and can be quite bitter when juiced. I like to combine the juice with apple, lemon and ginger juice. It gives the drink a fresh, slightly spicy quality. Sometimes, I make smaller quantities and drink the juice like a shot.
