Beetroot Smoothie – Powerful yet Smooth(ie)
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If you like beetroots, you’re a lucky person. I’ll explain why in a minute. If you don’t, and you’re like me, you might still want to eat beets anyway.
Or at least drink the odd beetroot smoothie.
Although I was recently convinced by one of our chefs that meals including beetroot can be surprisingly pleasant (see here for example), I still hold my nose when drinking beetroot juice.
Fancying myself a bit of a runner, and taking the idea of fueling myself (and nutrition in general) quite seriously, beetroots have some amazing properties.
Turning them into palatable smoothies is a win-win for me.
So why beetroot smoothie?
Research has already been shown that beetroot juice can make small, but telling changes to sporting prowess.
The nitrate (or nitric oxide) takes care of this – it is believed the oxide lowers the amount of oxygen needed to exercise.
For someone who knows that in sport a small help is still a help, I’ll take that, thanks.
If sport isn’t your thing, there are many other reasons to incorporate beets into your diet.
It unquestionably lowers blood pressure, a serious issue for many, and something we should all keep an eye on.
The polyphenols in beetroots have also been linked to helping prevent cancer, mainly by fighting free radicals. They are also believed to promote brain health and help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.
As always though, moderation is key. Going too far with most things is never good, and beets are no exception.
Large amounts of beet juice could be harmful, so don’t go overboard. Rather, let your body get used to them as you up your intake, and keep beets to a couple of times a week.
Back to the smoothie
Oh yes, why do I like this smoothie so much? Well, primarily because I don’t need to hold my nose while drinking it!
The lime juice and mint takes the edge off that earth taste that beetroot is famous for, and the small amount of maple syrup gives it just a hint of sweetness.
The apple also provides a welcome smoothness, both to taste and texture. Off we go then!
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ apple (eg. Golden Delicious)
- 1 small beetroot, pre-cooked
- ½ lime (juiced)
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 10 mint, fresh
- 1¼ cups water
Optional:
- 1 cup beetroot juice (only if you need to the replace a real beet and the water)
Instructions
- You know the story: throw everything into the blender. Swirl, noise, rattle.
- Done. Enjoy! 🙂
So much useful recipes and I love very much smoothies when I try to get fit. Thank you so much for your valuable smoothies.
I have small baby beets growing in my garden…can I make smoothies using them raw??
Hi Georgia, yes! As long as your smoothie maker/blender can chop them up ok, raw beets are definitely edible 🙂
I was so skeptical trying this recipe but I am so glad I did! Absolutely love the mint with beets, delicious!!! Thank you so much!
So super good to hear!! Yes, really not bad, hey?? 😀
Lovely smoothie, fresh, nice combo of flavours. Will be making this more often!
Oh and I added some flax and CIA seeds to make it more filling. Had it for breakfast today 🙂
Damn spelling corrector, should be chia seeds of course…
haa, brilliant!! The good old CIA seeds 😉
Glad you liked the smoothie, Lies!!
Hi Dave
thank you for the amazing recipe, i love beetroot and just this morning i tried something similar. Only changes i made to the recipe you suggested is that i add 1 carrot, few almonds and 2 dried fig into it and instead of lime juice i added a pinch of sea salt.
also, i did not boil the beet.
Hi Vrushaki, and thanks for writing! Really glad you enjoyed it. Those changes sounds amazing. So the beet went in raw – did it blend ok? Good stuff!