Benefits of Beets

Beets and beet greens are loaded with health benefits. The plant likes to grow in cooler weather, so you can find them in garden centers now. They tolerate near freezing temperatures and need about 6 hours of sun to thrive. There are many different varieties of beets with each one offering a slightly different nutritional profile. Most beets taste better if you harvest them early when they are just 1-2 inches big. They are a root vegetable that is related to spinach and chard. If you don't like the taste of beets, consider adding them to a smoothie or use them in a desert recipe. You'll hardly know they're there and you'll get all the benefits of beets.

History

It is thought that beet greens were first eaten in Africa thousands of years ago. Ancient Roman populations were some of the first to grow and eat the roots instead of just the greens. By the 19th century, beets were being grown for the sugar they contain. In the United States, beets are still grown and processed for the cane sugar they produce. Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine use beets to treat a variety of health issues. You can eat them raw, cooked or roasted or take a supplement containing beet powder. Cooking them reduces some of the nutrients they contain, so cook them as little as possible.

Rich in Fiber

Beets are rich in fiber and low in calories. This makes them an ideal food for supporting a healthy weight. The insoluble fiber in them is ideal for supporting digestive health. The general recommendation is that adults should consume 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day. Yet it's thought that the majority of adults don't even get 10 grams. A cup of beets contain 3.8 grams of fiber and only 58 calories.

Detoxifying

Your body is constantly detoxifying in multiple ways. Your kidneys filter your blood and your lungs breath in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Your skin is often referred to as your largest eliminative organ because it pushes out toxins through your pores. Sweating is one of the best things you can do to help your body release toxins. Your liver is another critical organ that is used by your body to detoxify. Beets can help support your liver which leads to better detoxification.

Heart Health

Beets are a great source of dietary nitrates. Nitrates are converted to nitric oxide in the body which supports heart health. Beets and beet juice have been studied for their ability to support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It's thought that the dietary nitrates are responsible for this.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory

Beets are naturally high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect your cells against oxidative damage. One of the antioxidant compounds contained in beets is the phytonutrients called betalain. Betalains give beets their bold color and have been studied for their ability to support your body's wellness. Beets, and specifically betalain, have also been studied for their ability to reduce pain and inflammation.

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