Celebrate Root Vegetables and Exotic Fruit Month with PI’s Better Beet

December is an awesome time of year filled with parties, friends, family, and celebrations galore. So when we discovered that December is also Root Vegetables and Exotic Fruit Month, we wanted to share why these fruits and vegetables are great additions to your diet, why you should add them to your holiday meals and snack trays, and specifically how Performance Inspired’s Better Beet powder is a perfect root vegetable for your diet.

What are root vegetables? WebMD explains that they “are starchy veggies that grow underneath the soil . . . while other parts of the plant grow through the soil and to the surface.” Root vegetables provide complex carbohydrates and are high in fiber. Plus, they are high in antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, folate, manganese, and vitamins A, B, and C. And they are low in fat, calories, and cholesterol, which is a definite plus when looking for a healthy snack or side dish.

You probably know some of the most common root vegetables, like onions, potatoes, carrots, and garlic. But did you know that fennel, shallots, celery root, water chestnuts, yams and sweet potatoes, turnips, parsnips, and beets are also root vegetables?

Specifically, beets have high levels of betaine, which is an antioxidant that is good for the heart. They are excellent sources of potassium, folate, manganese, iron, and B vitamins. And they contain nitrates, which not only support better circulation but help lower blood pressure. Beets are amazing additions to your overall well-being.

Healthline explains that “studies also show that eating beets may improve exercise performance and increase blood flow to your brain. Additionally, animal studies have found that beetroot extract may have anticancer properties and may slow the growth and spread of cancer cells.”

Understanding these benefits is why Performance Inspired created its Better Beet formula. As the PI site describes, “This beet powder is formulated by nature to provide optimum levels of essential nitric oxide. Healthy nitric oxide levels support your cardiovascular health, blood pressure, circulation, energy, and so much more. Nitric oxide supports the maintenance of healthy blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health by relaxing and dilating arteries, which promotes healthy circulation.”

This powder comes in a delicious apple flavor that can be mixed with water, a fruit smoothie, or your favorite juice, so you can reap these benefits every day, not just during Root Vegetables Month.

Exotic fruits

In addition to adding root vegetables to your menu, adding some exotic fruits to your diet will wake up your taste buds and provide many health benefits. And if you add them to your holiday snack trays at get-togethers this month, you will definitely wow your friends and family.

A fruit is considered exotic when it’s not common in your region. Exotic fruits also typically have a unique flavor, vibrant colors, and a distinctive appearance. 

We searched lists of exotic fruits and came up with some that would be fun and inexpensive additions to your diet. (For instance, though it’s a cool fruit, we are not including the Densuke watermelon here. This is a Japanese watermelon that is known for its “glossy, black rind, and bright red, nearly seedless flesh that is extremely sweet.” Typically, they sell for $200-$300. But a 17-pound watermelon once sold at auction for approximately $6,000!)

The fruits we are including here are a lot easier to find and won’t break your budget. So take a look at our list, find a few on your next shopping trip, then do a google search for a fun recipe that will impress your family this holiday season, or simply add them to a fruit bowl and wait for great conversations to begin.

Acai

This dark purple berry grows on the acai palm tree in the Amazon rainforests. Medical News Today describes the taste as a “blend of chocolate and berries” and explains that they are high in antioxidants. You can drink it as a juice or add the berries to your cereal or granola.

Guava

Guava is a round green fruit that looks like a large lime. It has a sweet and juicy flavor that some say has a “tropical strawberry-pear blend” taste. It is high in antioxidants and vitamins A, B, and C.

Dragon fruit

This fruit is bright pink and green on the outside and white with tiny black seeds on the inside (though some variations are red). It has a mild, yet sweet flavor and is a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Hala

While mostly grown in Asia, this fruit is also cultivated in Hawaii and Florida, so depending on where you live, it may not be too difficult to find. With a look similar to a large pineapple, it has a sweet flavor that is a cross between a pineapple and a mango.

Starfruit

You have likely seen this yellow fruit shaped like a star in your produce section. If you have never picked one up, now is your chance. It has a sweet yet tangy flavor, which depends on the ripeness. Those who eat it say it tastes like a mix between a citrus fruit, a pear, and an apple. It’s a good source of both fiber and vitamin C.

Jackfruit

This large yellow fruit, according to Medical News Today, “has a sweet, distinctive flavor, which some people describe as a cross between banana and pineapple.” It’s a good source of vitamin C, calcium, and iron. Plus, it contains vitamin B6 and folic acid.

This month, as you fight to curb your sweet tooth and not overdo the candies, cakes, and pies, remember that your sweet tooth can be satiated by healthy foods with natural fruits. Add PI’s Better Beet to your favorite drink, and try some of the aforementioned fruits and vegetables. Maybe you will even find yourself adding their consumption to your list of resolutions for a healthy New Year.