Salads have long been celebrated as a nutritious and refreshing addition to any diet.
Here’s why a beetroot, feta and rocket salad is good for your heart
Among the vast array of salad options, the beetroot, feta, and rocket salad stands out for its unique combination of flavours, textures, and exceptional health benefits.
This vibrant salad not only tantalises the taste buds but also offers a wealth of nutrients that contribute to overall well-being, particularly heart health.
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Nutritional information (approximate values for a standard serving):
- Calories: Around 200 calories per serving
- Protein: Approximately 7-10 grams
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 20-25 grams
- Dietary Fibre: 3-4 grams
- Fat: About 10-12 grams
Health benefits of beetroot, feta, and rocket salad:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Beetroot, a key ingredient in this salad, boasts a rich array of antioxidants, including betalains, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation. These compounds are associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease.
- Heart Health: The combination of beetroot, feta cheese, and rocket offers an impressive nutrient profile that supports cardiovascular health. Beetroot contains nitrates that can help dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and potentially lowering blood pressure. Feta cheese provides protein and healthy fats, while rocket (arugula) contributes to overall fibre intake and contains nitrates as well.
- Dietary Fiber: Rocket and other leafy greens in the salad are excellent sources of dietary fibre. Fibre aids in digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and supports a feeling of fullness, which can contribute to weight management.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Beetroot is rich in essential nutrients such as folate, potassium, and vitamin C. Feta cheese provides calcium, vitamin B12, and zinc. These nutrients collectively play a role in bone health, immune function, and maintaining electrolyte balance.
- Healthy Fats: Feta cheese contributes healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. These fats can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Hydration: Both beetroot and rocket have high water content, aiding in hydration and promoting optimal bodily functions.
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Salads and heart health explained
Salads, including beetroot, feta, and rocket salad, have gained recognition for their positive impact on heart health due to several factors:
- Low in Saturated Fats: Most salad ingredients are naturally low in saturated fats, which are linked to increased levels of bad cholesterol and heart disease. Choosing salads over high-fat meals can contribute to better heart health.
- Rich in Nutrient Variety: Salads often incorporate a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This diversity provides a wide spectrum of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds that support heart health and overall wellness.
- Dietary Fiber: Leafy greens, vegetables, nuts, and seeds found in salads offer a good dose of dietary fibre. Fibre aids in reducing cholesterol levels, promoting healthy digestion, and regulating blood sugar levels.
- Nitrates for Vasodilation: Many salad ingredients, including beetroots and leafy greens like rocket, contain nitrates that promote vasodilation, leading to improved blood flow and potentially lower blood pressure.
- Weight Management: Salads are often low in calories yet high in volume due to their water and fibre content. This can help control appetite, manage weight, and reduce the risk of obesity-related heart issues.
The beetroot, feta, and rocket salad stands as a delicious and nutrition-packed dish that offers an array of health benefits, particularly for heart health.
With its blend of antioxidants, dietary fibre, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, this salad contributes to a well-rounded diet that supports cardiovascular wellness.
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By embracing salads as part of a balanced eating regimen, individuals can take a significant step toward nurturing their heart health and overall vitality.
Beetroot, feta and rocket salad recipe
Check out the beetroot, feta and rocket salad recipe below:
Beetroot, Feta and Rocket Salad
Ingredients
- 3 units Beetroot
- 2 cups Rocket leaves
- 100 g Crumbled feta
- 1/2 cup Shelled and chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup Chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Wholegrain mustard
Instructions
- Place 3 units Beetroot in a pot and cover with water
- Bring to a boil and cook until the skin peels off easily
- Drain and cover with cold water to cool
- When cool enough to handle, gently rub the skin off the beetroot under cold water
- Dice the cooked beetroot
- On a large plate, lay the rocket leaves, then lay over the diced beetroot
- Sprinkle over the feta, walnuts and parsley
- Mix the olive oil, vinegar and mustard and pour over just before serving.