The humble beet offers many health benefits. Although these benefits are wide-reaching and can improve the health of any person of any age, beets also offer benefits that are particularly useful for older adults. Consuming beets can slow the aging process, lower blood pressure, improve liver function, and improve stamina. And, thanks to innovations like beetroot powder supplements, you can get all the nutritional benefits of beets without needing to consume too many. Older adults who have less energy (or time) to do tasks like cooking and peeling can also use beetroot powder to enhance their meals with beets.
Below, we’ll dive deeper into the many benefits beetroot powder has to offer.
BEETROOT POWDER SLOWS THE AGING PROCESS
One of the best benefits listed in our article 10 Reasons Why You Should Add Beets to Your Diet is the vegetable’s capacity to reduce external signs of aging. This is because the main culprits behind aging are the unstable atoms called free radicals, which cause damage to our cells through a process known as oxidative stress.
However, the excellent antioxidant properties of beets allow them to neutralize free radicals, thus reducing many symptoms of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, loose skin, and dryness. Older adults who want to slow the development of these symptoms can boost their body’s antioxidant capabilities by consuming beetroot powder supplements with a few of their daily meals.
BEETROOT POWDER LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE
Studies note that among the many different types of juices, juices made from raw beets and/or beetroot powder were most effective at lowering blood pressure. The more concentrated the beet juice, the more effective it becomes. Further studies of the incredible effects of beetroot juice (and supplemental powders) on blood pressure focused exclusively on healthy older adults; the participants experienced reduced systolic blood pressure after taking concentrations of beet juice daily for several weeks.
For more beet juice ideas, check out How to Juice Beets and Why You Want To!
BEETROOT POWDER CAN COMPLEMENT WEIGHT LOSS
Although beets aren’t particularly fattening, you might need to consume a large amount to maximize the health benefits you desire. Fortunately, beetroot powder offers amazing health benefits while having lower calorie levels. Beetroot powder is made by dehydrating a beet then grinding it into a fine powder. The grinding process causes the beet to shed many of the calories it contains. Thus, powdered beets allow you to take more beet nutrients through smaller portions. For example, since one concentrated teaspoon of beet powder is equivalent to one beet, you can get three beets’ worth of nutrients by adding three teaspoons to your meals. Older adults can use beetroot supplements to add nutrition to their weight loss diets without having to add extra calories (unless you need more calories, and then we advise eating the beet whole!).
BEETROOT POWDER IS EASILY ABOSRBED BY THE BODY
Because beetroot supplements have already been ground into powder, the body has an easier time absorbing them. When you eat regular beets, the digestive system still needs to break down the beets, so that your body can absorb them (which can be great if you want more fiber in your diet!). On the other hand, there is no barrier to absorption when it comes to powder. The body will begin absorbing the nutrients of beetroot powder supplements immediately after taking. For seniors struggling with digestive problems, consuming beets in a powder form may offer a more easily absorbed supplement that is packed with nutrition and numerous health benefits!
HOW TO GET BEETROOT SUPPLEMENTS
Because beetroot supplements have become more popular in the last few years, they are easily accessible. You can buy beetroot supplements online or at many grocery stores. Beetroot supplements can be purchased in a vitamin (capsule) form or as a loose powder that can be added to juice, smoothies, and more. The cost of a beetroot supplement bottle can run from 19 USD to 40 USD, so for those on a tight budget, it may be more challenging to purchase beetroot supplements on a regular basis. Did you know that some Medicare plans provide supplement coverage? Yup! Older adults can leverage their Medicare plans to cut the costs of supplements. KelseyCare Advantage offers Medicare Advantage plans that can come with extended drug coverage, which may include nutritional supplements. Original Medicare, on the other hand, may only cover nutritional supplements if your personal care provider deems them medically necessary.
When looking for beetroot supplements, we advise you purchase organic beetroot or beet juice powder for the best quality and most nutritional benefits!
HOW TO MAKE BEETROOT POWDER AT HOME
You can also make your own beetroot powder at home! The process is easy, but a little time-consuming. You’ll need the following tools to create homemade beetroot powder: a stove, an oven, and a blender. You can also use a dehydrator in place of an oven and a food processor in place of a blender.
To get started, simply boil or steam the beetroots until they become soft. You can also use pre-boiled beetroots if these are available. Then, place the beetroots inside the blender or food processor. Once the beets have blended into a smooth puree, spread them thinly and evenly across a flat tray. You will then need to place the puree inside your oven or dehydrator and leave it there for 10 hours. Once the puree finally dries, place it back into the blender to grind it into a fine powder. The last step is to store the powder inside an airtight container.
Beets undeniably offer many health benefits. Unfortunately, certain people, such as older adults, may not have the time or energy to cook these beautiful vegetables. This is why beetroot powder supplements offer an effective and healthy solution and why you should start taking it now.
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