13/07/24
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The beneficial properties of the red beet or red turnip (Beta Vulgaris) are well known and very useful not only for athletes. Many, however, do not know how to cook or use it in their daily diet. Let’s discover two fresh, colourful and tasty recipes to bring beetroot dishes to the table: healthy, but tasty (go directly to our recipe)!
Why is it beneficial to include red beetroot in your diet?
The red beet or red beard was an important part of the diet of Europeans for many centuries before being somewhat abandoned due to the increased availability of cereals. The habit of consuming beetroot, however, brought with it health and even mood (!) benefits, as recent studies have confirmed due to the presence of betaine. Red beet contains Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and is particularly useful for athletes due to the high presence of natural nitrates that can improve venous circulation and blood flow to the muscles.
Beetroot also contains folate and is an excellent source of potassium, manganese and fibre. Betaine contained in Red beet has antioxidant and detoxifying properties as it works by converting homeocysteine into methionine. New studies postulate its lipotropic property, i.e. against the action of triglycerides on the liver, and even slimming in general. Today, more and more cyclists use Betaine or Red Beet concentrate in their supplementation.
Red Beet Hummus
If you are a fan of hummus, you absolutely must try our richest and most colourful version: red beet hummus. This recipe can be made in minutes and will add an original touch to your aperitifs! Red beet hummus is not only delicious, it also brings the extraordinary beneficial properties of the red turnip. As many people know, the red beet is famous for its antioxidant effects and its richness in nutrients.
Ingredients
Pre-cooked beets: 250 g
Pre-cooked chickpeas (drained weight): 160 g
Tahina: 1 tablespoon
Extra virgin olive oil: 1 tablespoon
Lemon juice: 3 teaspoons
Water: 90 g
Fine salt: to taste
Parsley: to taste
Cumin: to taste
Sweet paprika: to taste
Chilli pepper: to taste
Procedure
Beet preparation: To prepare the red beet hummus, wear gloves and protect the cutting board with foil to avoid stains. Cut the beetroot into cubes and place them in a tall, narrow container.
Adding the ingredients: Add the drained chickpeas and tahina. Add the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and water.
Spices and blending: Add the cumin, paprika, chilli and chopped parsley. Blend everything with an immersion blender until smooth, creamy and thick.
Presentation: Transfer the red beet hummus into a small bowl and garnish with pre-cooked chickpeas and sesame seeds. Your red beet hummus is ready to serve.
Red beet hummus is ideal to enrich piadinas, enjoy with croutons or accompany raw vegetables. An irresistible appetiser, especially during the summer!
Red beet sports supplements
The benefit, especially in sports (see this article on VO2max) requires a daily consumption of beetroot and a rather high dosage. Nitred® offers an innovative solution for the preparation of flasks that are useful both in the gym and on the bike or in triathlons. Nitred® Isotonic Powder, offers the benefits of a rapidly assimilated salt product, a low energy intake and the benefits of concentrated red beetroot in combination with Citrulline. Discover it to revolutionise your workouts!
