The beetroot is one of several cultivated varieties of Beta vulgaris grown for their edible roots and leaves. Besides being used as a food, beets have uses as a food colouring as well as a medicinal plant.
Beets were domesticated in the ancient Middle East, primarily for their greens and by the Roman era, it is thought that they were cultivated for their roots as well. From the Middle Ages, beetroot was used as a treatment for a variety of conditions, especially illnesses relating to digestion and the blood.
Not only is beetroot powder packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but it is also full of nitrates. Dietary nitrates are known to dilate blood vessels, allowing for increased blood flow, and alleviating cardiovascular stress. When consumed regularly, nitric oxide produced by nitrates can help speed up recovery, improve oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain, and lower blood pressure.
