Whether you love them or hate them, you can’t deny the astoundingly vibrant array of colors in which beets can appear. During the 19th century women often used the dark juices of beets for lip or cheek stain. Today, beets are adored for their many health benefits but also for their ability to add vibrance and color to any dish.
While historically people ate the leafy beet greens, the beetroot is now the most popular for consumption. There are many strong opinions on beets for their earthy taste, sugar content, and carbohydrate values, but the many health benefits of beets cannot be disputed:
• Lowers blood pressure–can be effective within an hour of consumption!
• Boosts stamina–great as a pre-workout boost!
• Supports liver health–stimulates function of processing everything we consume
• Protects against eye disorders– the beta-carotene protects against age related blindness (cataracts) and macular degeneration
• Anti-inflammatory properties–betalains (pigment that makes a beet red) help fight inflammation
Vitamins & Minerals (and just SOME of their benefits)
• Folic Acid: prevents birth defects, heart disorders, cancer, strokes, helpful for mental disorders
• Potassium: promotes healthy, bones, immunity, nerve/muscle function, metabolism and more!
• Copper: supports normal growth of body, quick wound healing, reduces cholesterol
• Magnesium: needed for more than 300 biochemical bodily reactions, regulates heartbeat and blood sugar level, aids in protein synthesis
• Phosphorus: boosts bone health, digestion and regular excretion, hormonal balance
There’s no question of the extensive health benefits and impressive nutrients contents of beets but they do have the highest sugar content of all vegetables. It’s part of what makes them so irresistible but also a good reason to be mindful about our consumption. Try eating beets raw as a salad topping or juicing them to maintain the highest level of nutrients.
Some of our favorite recipes from around the web:
• Roasted Beet & Chickpea Tacos with Herb Tahini Sauce
• Beet, Brie and Kale Frittata
• Colorful Beet Salad