In our clinic, beets are one of our go-to recommendations for patients with a blood deficiency pattern, with symptoms like fatigue, circulation issues, or anxiety. They're such a powerhouse of nutritional goodness. When it comes to heart health and issues relating to blood, you can't beat beets.
Even more fascinating? Beets resemble the shape of a human heart, which, according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), informs us that beets contain the nutrients that nourish and optimize the function and health of our hearts and blood circulation. There are many correlations between the shapes of natural, whole foods and their benefits to the specific organs they resemble. Nature is so amazing. Read on to learn more...
Why I Love This Recipe: Let’s Talk TCM
In TCM, foods of specific shapes and colors often benefit the parts of the body that they resemble. For example, ginger, which looks somewhat like a stomach, is great for treating digestive issues and other qi deficiency symptoms. Kidney beans, which are obviously shaped like kidneys, are excellent for kidney health and issues of yin or yang deficiency (which have a lot to do with our hormone balance and internal temperature, which the kidneys play a large part in). Many seeds are great for fertility - for nourishing our own "seeds" of creation.
And then there's our cardiovascular system. As I mentioned above, beets (and other red, round fruits and vegetables are known to nourish our hearts, blood volume and circulation. I often tell people to "think Christmas" when eating to support their blood or heart health, as fruits and vegetables that are red (and green) generally support the cardiovascular system.
Some foods, like tomatoes, are great for the ticker, as they contain antioxidants, like lycopene, which gives many of these foods their red color, and has been found to protect cells from damage and lower the risk of heart disease. Beets and leafy greens, in particular, contain nitrates, which act as vasodilators, helping to widen blood vessels and improve blood flow. Many of these foods are also rich in heart-healthy vitamins and minerals like iron and potassium, and vitamins A, B9 (folate), C, and E. Modern research now reveals what Chinese medicine has theorized for centuries - that many red and green foods, indeed, heal and protect the heart and blood.
For this tomato and artichoke pizza, beets are the headliner, paired with amaranth flour, an ancient grain so nourishing it's said that the Aztecs historically used it to ward off malnutrition. We've also incorporated tomatoes, artichokes and watercress - all of which nourish blood deficiency symptoms in the body. A friendly dab of goat cheese, which is easier on the digestive system than many other dairy products (and also a blood tonic!), rounds out this mouth-watering medley of flavors.
Join Our Mailing List.
Get delicious recipes, holistic health tips, expert advice & more.
Hungry for More?
Tomatoes + Artichoke Pizza with Beet Root Crust Ingredients:
1 cup cooked beets (about 1 large beet)
1 cup amaranth flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1 tablespoon coconut oil
2 eggs
1/4 cup pesto sauce
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup artichoke hearts
1 ounce goat cheese
1/2 cup watercress
Why You'll Love This Recipe: Give Your Heart Some Love
Builds Blood and Supports Heart Health: Beets and eggs are rich in iron and key nutrients that help nourish the blood and support the Heart and Liver in TCM—especially helpful for those with blood deficiency.
Supports the Liver & Detoxification: Ingredients like artichoke hearts and watercress help clear heat and support Liver function, providing gentle detoxification for the body.
Plant-Based Protein and Bone Support: Amaranth flour offers a gluten-free source of complete protein and is high in calcium, making it a great option for strengthening bones, boosting energy and nourishing overall vitality.
Nourishes Yin and Moistens Dryness: Goat cheese, cherry tomatoes, and coconut oil offer healthy fats and cooling, yin-nourishing properties—great for balancing dryness and heat.
How to Make This Tomatoes + Artichoke Pizza with Beet Root Crust (Summary)
Toast the Grains: Sauté millet and rice in butter for a few minutes.
Simmer the Risotto: Add vegetable stock, coconut milk, and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, lowering heat in the final 10 minutes.
Soft-Boil the Eggs: Simmer eggs for 5–6 minutes, then cool in cold water.
Sauté Greens: Cook garlic in olive oil, then add spinach and kale until just wilted.
Combine & Season: Stir greens into risotto, season with salt and pepper, and cook for a few more minutes.
Assemble Bowls: Serve risotto topped with halved eggs, avocado, sprouts, sesame seeds, a drizzle of olive oil, and a lemon wedge.
