5. Greater Mental Acuity
Everyone knows that cognitive function naturally declines as we age. But the extent to which this occurs is largely within our control. Of course, you can’t fight genetics, but proper diet can help to keep your mind sharper. The nitrates in beets are thought to improve cognitive ability by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain.
Studies show that the effect is particularly observed in the frontal lobe, responsible for decision making and working memory. Regular consumption of beets might also improve your reaction time, according to at least one study. It remains to be seen if beets can reduce the risk of dementia in older people, but for day-to-day mental clarity, it is well worth downing some.