it is one of the most popular ingredients in Polish cuisine. After all, who doesn’t know a salad made from these delicious vegetables? However, fresh tubers are usually used. Meanwhile dried beets also deserve attention – they are a great and very healthy snack, which will be especially appreciated by seniors and athletes.
Beetroots in any form are one of the healthier choices. Dried fruits are filled with trace elements that support the functioning of the body. They include, among others: vitamin C, which has an antioxidant effect, improves immunity and is involved in collagen synthesis. Moreover, this vegetable is rich in vitamins A, E and K as well as B vitamins, which have a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Dried beets also contain zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, copper, iron, sodium and potassium. In addition, they provide an amino acid such as betaine, which supports digestion and protects the liver. Additionally lowers homocysteine levels, contributing to the protection of the circulatory system – especially the heart.
Eating dried beets can have a beneficial effect on many organs. They provide, among others:
- lowering blood pressure – beets, thanks to the nitrate content, dilate blood vessels, which improves blood flow and normalizes blood pressure. Too high may lead to an increased risk of many cardiovascular diseases, including: atherosclerosis.
- Increasing concentration and improving memory – nitrates have a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system, in particular on the functioning of the brain. Elderly people who experience deterioration of memory and concentration should consider adding dried beetroot to their diet.
- Reducing the risk of cancer – research from 2021 (Beetroot as a Potential Functional Food for Cancer Chemoprevention, a Narrative Review) have proven that the betaine found in beets is able to reduce the growth of cancer cells.
- Improving performance in athletes – thanks to the content of nitrates, which improve blood flow to the brain and muscles, the body becomes better oxygenated. This allows you to increase efficiency and strength, which may directly translate into better sports results.
- Improving liver function – betaine contained in dried beets supports liver cleansing and the flow of bile into the small intestine, which has a direct impact on the functioning of this organ.
- Reducing inflammation – betaine helps fight inflammation in the body by lowering homocysteine levels and inhibiting inflammatory mediators (including TNF-α proteins). Thanks to this, it also has an analgesic effect.
- Help with erectile dysfunction – increased blood flow after eating dried beets affects the entire body. Therefore, adding them to your diet can help alleviate erectile dysfunction.
Moreover, if urine becomes discolored after consumption, it is worth performing blood tests – this symptom may indicate iron deficiency in the body.
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Preparing beetroot soup at home is very simple. You need any amount of fresh (preferably oblong) beets. These vegetables stain strongly, so it is better to wear latex gloves.
The beets should be washed and peeled, then cut into thin slices (you can use a mandolin). Place the chips on a baking tray lined with baking paper so that they do not touch each other. Bake them in the oven for about 40 minutes at 150 degrees C with convection. Depending on the thickness of the slice, this time may be slightly shorter or longer, so keep an eye on the beets so as not to burn them.
Dried beets can be stored for up to a year. It is best to keep them in a dry, tightly closed container.
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These vegetables primarily can be eaten as a snack instead of chips – with the addition of your favorite spices, they will be perfect for an interesting film. However, their use in the kitchen does not end there.
Dried beets can be used as a base for soups, they can also be used as a crunchy addition to various salads. When preparing minced cutlets (both meat and vegetables), you can add crushed pieces. You can also make dried beetroot chips grind and use as a natural dye for baking or homemade ice cream. Moreover, they are suitable for thickening sauces.
Dried beetroot is a product worth having in the kitchen – it will be useful for many dishes, and is also a treasure trove of vitamins and minerals.
Sources: Terazgotuje.pl, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
