Beetroot Hummus – The Savior During Your Menstrual Phase

The menstrual phase can bring various challenges for many women, such as fatigue, mood swings, and cramps. Holistic nutrition offers ways to alleviate these discomforts and enhance overall well-being. One particularly valuable food during this time is beetroot. In this blog post, I want to share a delicious recipe for beetroot hummus and explain why this dish is especially beneficial during or shortly after the menstrual phase.

Beetroot and Its Iron Content

During menstruation, you lose blood, which can lead to lower iron levels. Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the blood. Beetroot is an excellent plant-based iron source that can help replenish your iron stores and combat fatigue. Combined with chickpeas, which also contain iron, this hummus becomes an iron-rich meal.

Anti-inflammatory and Relieves Cramps

Beetroot contains betalains, powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. These can help reduce menstrual cramps and decrease inflammation in the body. Adding garlic, which also has anti-inflammatory effects, further enhances this benefit, making the hummus an effective remedy for menstrual discomfort.

Mood-boosting

The nutrients in beetroot, especially folate and betaine, can promote the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. This can help ease mood swings and improve your overall well-being during menstruation. Honey also contributes to mood improvement by providing quick energy and balancing the sweetness of the hummus.

Recipe for Beetroot Hummus

Ingredients:

• 500g chickpeas

• 2 tbsp honey

• 60g almond butter

• 3 cloves of garlic

• 1 cooked beetroot plus the water in which the beetroot was cooked

• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor.

2. Blend until you reach the desired consistency. Add more beetroot cooking water if needed for a smoother texture.
   

Enjoy beetroot hummus with fresh vegetables, on oat bread, or with salads.

Beetroot hummus is not only a delicious and nutrient-rich snack but also offers specific health benefits that are particularly relevant during the menstrual phase. With its high iron content, anti-inflammatory properties, and mood-enhancing effects, this recipe is a valuable addition to a holistic diet. Give it a try!