Healthy Beetroot and Apple Juice: Love at First Sip

One of my favorite spots in London is Richmond, a town in the south west part of the city. There the Thames is populated by small river boats, the atmosphere is almost the one of an enchanted village. The wildest park in London is a few hundred meters away and parallel to the riverside there is the main street where shops and restaurants offer plenty options for those who want to keep feeling the urban beat.

Last year in Richmond I discovered this Apple and Beetroot Juice. A Jamaican street vendor was selling coconut water for £3.50 and this refreshing/energizer drink for a bit less. It was love at first sip.

The sweetness of the apples is in perfect harmony with the slightly sour taste of the beetroot. The ginger adds a pungent and aromatic touch. The flavor of this drink won me over. Afterwards, when I read about the beneficial properties of the beetroot juice, I felt the “urge” to share the recipe with you all.  It tastes good but it is also very healthy (no added sugar!).

If you are interested in knowing a bit more about beetroot and why it is so good for you, you can read the brief description of its nutritional benefits I’m providing below. If you believe – like me – that beetroot can be a cool addition to your smoothies have a look at my Antioxidant Beetroot Strawberry and Apple Smoothie.

Properties of the Beetroot

Beetroot contains 90% water, protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins (B1, B2, B3, traces of vitamin A) and minerals such as sodium, potassium, iron, calcium and phosphorus. The characteristic red color of the roots of this beet is due to the presence of a real natural colorant, the E 162.

In the 1983 beetroot became more popular because some studies – published in the “International Journal of Cancer” – described the beneficial effects that it could have in regards to the colon cancer.

More recently a British study – published by the scientific magazine “Hypertension” and popularized by a BBC news article – found that half a liter of beetroot juice lowers blood pressure almost as an antihypertensive drug. This would come as a result of its high nitrate content, the substance used by our body to synthesize nitric oxide, a gas able to dilate the blood vessel walls.

p.s. My “healthy moment” will be soon “disrupted” by the coming Easter holidays. I can already see lots of chocolate on the horizon so this juice (I had this morning for breakfast together with peanut butter apple sandwich) is a sort of “fasting for feasting” to me. Are you also getting ready for the mighty Easter Feast?