Nearly all vegetables have astounding health benefits that can range anywhere from supporting your heart to your eyesight. However, there is one vegetable that far outperforms all others, and that is beetroot, also known as beets. Beets are commonly used in countless different cultural cuisines and is one of the best superfoods to eat because of its rich nutrient content.[1] While they may have a strong blood-red color and have a taste similar to dirt, preparing them in the right ways can make it a delicious addition to any dish. They can be roasted, steamed, or boiled, and the possibilities for what you can do with them are endless.

The benefits of beetroot are vast, but many of its “powers” come from something called nitrates.[2] Nitrates are natural chemicals often found in foods that are broken down by your body to produce nitric oxide, an incredibly important vasodilator.[3] It helps to widen blood vessels and support strong blood flow, making it essential for long lasting, strong cardiovascular health. Nitric oxide can also be synthesized by your body from the amino acid L-arginine, but to maintain a healthy concentration, consuming nitrates through food is necessary.[4]

Leafy greens, dairy products, and natural meats all have nitrates in them, but beets have some of the highest concentrations, making them great for nitric oxide production.[5] Along with immense amounts of vitamins and minerals, it makes beetroot one of the healthiest and most beneficial superfoods to include in any diet.[6] Additionally, since such a small serving amount still includes an incredible amount of nutrients, it can be great as an addition to any meal or even be served as a snack. Beets are definitely one of the top superfoods to help keep yourself healthy now and in the years to come, and finding ways to incorporate it in your life can provide a great benefit for all parts of your body.