Beets: Nature’s Cardiovascular Comedy Show in Root Form

Let’s talk about beets—those ruby-red root veggies that look like they belong in a vampire’s lunchbox and taste like sweet, earthy treasure. Sure, they stain everything they touch (including your dignity if you’re not careful), but don’t underestimate these underground oddballs. Beets aren’t just good for making your cutting board look like a crime scene. They’re straight-up magical for your health, especially your blood pressure.

Beets are basically the chill pill of the vegetable world. They’re packed with dietary nitrates. No, not the scary “processed meat” kind. More like the natural compounds your body turns into nitric oxide. Now, nitric oxide isn’t some sci-fi chemical from a Marvel movie; it’s actually what helps your blood vessels relax and widen, which lowers blood pressure and improves circulation. Basically, beets throw a little spa day for your arteries. Calm, open, relaxed—your blood pressure thanks you.

And the results are no joke. Studies show that sipping beet juice can lower systolic blood pressure, the top number—you know, the one you side-eye at every check-up, in just a few hours. So next time your stress level skyrockets because you forgot your coworker’s birthday again, reach for some beet juice before you reach for excuses.

But wait, there’s more! Beets are high in folate, potassium, and fiber, which is science-speak for “they make your heart, digestion, and overall mood do a little happy dance.” And thanks to their antioxidant powers (shoutout to betalains!), beets are also in the business of fighting inflammation like tiny, purple superheroes.

Oh, and athletes? They love beets. Not just for the potential Insta clout of beet smoothies, but because beets can boost endurance. Some say it’s like rocket fuel for your lungs—minus the risk of combustion.

So yes, beets might look like something you’d use to summon forest spirits, but they’re actually one of the best things you can put in your mouth if you’re hoping to lower blood pressure without tasting like sadness. Roast ’em, juice ’em, sneak them into brownies—whatever you do, “beet” it. Just “beet” it because no heart likes to be defeated. 

You’ll “Beet” Happy with Maepole’s Healthy Menu Options 

At Maepole, we strongly believe that beets can’t be beat. Sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves and just had to squeeze in a homophone (or is it a homonym?) before we wrap this up. It is because we find beets to be both nutritious and flavorful that we were adamant about featuring them on our menu. Patrons looking for healthy fast food in Summerhill, GA and surrounding areas can find them in our spring salad, a chef’s selection menu item which includes salad greens, of course, quinoa salad, kale and asparagus salad, avocado, crunchies and turmeric-ginger dressing. You can also opt for building your own plate that has a side of beets with pickled onions. Whatever you choose, we are pretty confident you’ll be back from more of our beet benefits.

Established in 2018 by co-founders Pete Dale, Michael Clancy, and Nathan Goodman, Maepole is a healthy, quick-serve Southern restaurant known for its hormone and antibiotic-free meats, and its wide variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Our healthy fast food concept started out in Athens and we now have 3 locations but are working on opening more over the next few months and years. Be sure to check out our amazing menu and order online. We also offer catering! 

Chase St. Athens
1021 North Chase St.
Athens, GA 30601
(706) 850-3600

Epps Bridge Pkwy Athens
1850 Epps Bridge Pkwy
Suite 207 Athens, GA 30606
(706) 510-3133

Atlanta
72 Georgia Ave SE Suite 500
Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 907-4355