Xevi Verdaguer, psychoneuroimmunologist, on the benefits of beets: "They're high in fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory."

Beetroot has ceased to be a simple salad accompaniment and has become a featured topic at longevity conferences, such as Health in Colors. More and more experts are including it in their presentations as an example of a functional food capable of going far beyond the nutritional aspect. Among them is psychoneuroimmunologist Xevi Verdaguer, who points out that beetroot "contains a lot of fiber, antioxidants, and is anti-inflammatory."

The growing interest in this tuber stems from the fact that its benefits go beyond the vitamins and fiber it provides. According to Verdaguer, it contains betalains , a pigment that gives it its characteristic red color and also exerts antioxidant properties. "When you eat beets, you can even see your stool change color," the specialist notes humorously.

Most striking, however, is its role as a precursor to nitric oxide. This compound is generated from the nitrates in beets, which, when metabolized in the body, help dilate blood vessels and improve circulation. "We need nitric oxide to resolve infections and maintain vascular health," the expert emphasizes.

The same idea is repeated at longevity conferences: beets can be a food, a supplement, or even a medicine, depending on the quantity and method of consumption. A clear example is beet juice, very popular among athletes for its ability to increase oxygenation and delay fatigue. Scientific literature supports its role in athletic performance, but also in muscle recovery.

Furthermore, by promoting circulation and blood pressure, it contributes to cardiovascular health, and its impact on fertility is even being studied, as it improves blood flow to reproductive organs.

It's no coincidence that beets are in fashion. They're part of what 's known as "superfoods," although Verdaguer clarifies that more than a marketing term, they're foods whose therapeutic potential deserves to be analyzed in detail. "Beets can cease to be just a food when taken in large quantities, such as in smoothies or extracts, and become a supplement," he explains.

As with other nutrient-dense foods, beets also have contraindications. Verdaguer warns that they are not recommended for people with calcium oxalate kidney stones, chronic candidiasis, or oxalate sensitivity. In these cases, consuming them can aggravate the problem, and it is advisable to consult a health professional first.

The specialist insists that the key lies in personalization: what may be a benefit for some isn't necessarily a benefit for everyone. Hence the importance of thoroughly understanding your individual health status before introducing large doses of any superfood.

Beyond fashion, beets exemplify the current trend toward preventative nutrition, which seeks to delay aging and reduce the risk of disease through diet. With a complete nutritional profile and the ability to modulate inflammatory processes, they have earned a place on the list of reference foods for those seeking to live longer and better. Science continues to investigate the extent to which their benefits can be considered therapeutic, but their impact on circulation, inflammation, and intestinal health is now difficult to dispute.