Beetroot is not everyone’s favourite vegetable but it has had a bit of a revival recently thanks to its use by athletes at the Olympics for increasing blood flow to the muscles. For women undergoing IVF with thin uterine lining I often recommend 300mls of beetroot juice a day until embryo transfer for the same reason. Beetroot contains nitric oxide which dilates blood vessels allowing a rich supply of oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to flow to the uterus and ovaries. This ‘opening’ of the arteries allowing blood to flow more freely is also the reason why drinking beetroot juice regularly may help lower blood pressure and improve brain function; some research has shown improvement in memory before specific tests.

Uterine blood flow is so incredibly important for implantation; aspirin and Clexane thin the blood and increase uterine flow. So if you have thin lining it is worth trying 300mls a day of beetroot juice alongside another food that increases blood flow, a handful of blueberries. Beetroot is also a great source of iron for vegetarians.

Beetroot ideas

Finely grated fresh beetroot mixed with horseradish and crème fraiche with smoked trout and homemade healthy soda bread (see previous blog)

Fresh squeezed beetroot, apple, carrot and ginger juice.

Roast baby beetroot; arrange it in a dish with butternut squash. Cut them both into round slices, drizzle with a little rape seed oil and scatter with fresh thyme (this looks very pretty), then roast for about 40 minutes.

Raw finely sliced beetroot with baby spinach and torn buffalo mozzarella and a sweet balsamic and olive oil dressing

Raw grated beetroot and carrot salad with a dressing of rape seed oil, apple cider vinegar and a little honey

And for a special treat try Hugh Fearley-Whittingstall’s Beetroot & Chocolate ice cream.