Brighten Up With a Beetroot and Berry Smoothie | Mental Health Recipes

Beets may not be everyone’s favorite vegetable.

But what if we told you that you could enjoy their incredible benefits without even noticing their taste?

Well, this beetroot and berry smoothie might be it!

This yummy beet and berry smoothie offers a combo that's both nutritious and delicious. Plus, who doesn’t love a recipe that simply involves throwing all the ingredients in the blender and then enjoying them?

In this article, we share how to make this yummy smoothie and why it’s particularly beneficial for your mental well-being.

Brighten Up With This Beetroot and Berry Smoothie

You’ve got tons of ways to customize this recipe, if you so choose.

For instance, this recipe also makes a great base for a smoothie bowl (Throw some coconut flakes, chocolate chips, strawberries, and bananas on top, and it’s so good!). 

You also get to choose your favorite milk to incorporate (or water). I recommend regular ol’ cow’s milk or almond milk for this recipe. So, let’s blend it up!

How This Beetroot and Berry Smoothie Enhances Your Mental Well-Being

If research on mental health indicates anything, it’s that it’s oh-so important—but that’s not all…

While meditation, exercise, therapy, and self-care are all good things, without good nutrition, we likely still won’t feel that great. After all, our body needs those basic tools (AKA nutrients) to function optimally, including having an even-keel mood.

So, how does this beet and berry smoothie provide that? Here are more than a few ways!

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Beetroot Brings the Nutrients

This root vegetable is packed with nutrients! Beets are rich in folate—a B vitamin that plays a crucial role in the production of serotonin (a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and appetite).

Low levels of folate have further been linked to an increased risk of depression, so incorporating beets into your diet may just help keep your spirits lifted.

In addition to folate, beets contain betaine, a compound that has been shown to have antidepressant effects. Betaine works by reducing inflammation in the body, which has been linked to various mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety.

Berries Are Mother Nature’s Mood Boosters

Strawberries and blueberries are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that can improve mental health.

These colorful fruits are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation. In fact, blueberries are considered the most antioxidant-packed fruit out there!

Oxidative stress and inflammation have been linked to various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and even schizophrenia. Yet, eating more antioxidants can help combat this.

Blueberries, in particular, have been studied for their potential to improve memory and cognitive function.

The flavonoids found in blueberries have been shown to improve communication between brain cells, which can help prevent age-related cognitive decline and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Strawberries, on the other hand, are an excellent source of vitamin C, which has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress. Vitamin C is also essential for the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and pleasure.

Bananas Bring Even More Benefits

Bananas may seem like a simple addition to the smoothie, but they bring their own set of mental health benefits to the table. Bananas are an excellent source of vitamin B6, which is essential for the production of serotonin and dopamine.

They also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that the body converts into serotonin, helping to regulate mood and promote feelings of happiness and well-being.

In addition to their mood-boosting properties, bananas are a good source of potassium, which has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.

Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate, which can become elevated during times of stress.

Milk Provides a Sense of Calm

While water can be used as a base for this smoothie, choosing milk can provide additional mental health benefits.

Milk, particularly cow’s milk, is an excellent source of calcium, which has been shown to reduce symptoms of PMS, including mood swings and irritability. Calcium is also essential for the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

In addition to calcium, milk contains tryptophan, the same amino acid found in bananas that the body converts into serotonin. Consuming milk before bed has been shown to improve sleep quality, which is essential for maintaining good mental health.