By: Tisha Casida

Beets are powerhouses of nutrients.  There is no question that you would probably want to consider incorporating beets into your diet.  They have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties that are essential to building a healthy body and brain.  The concentration of betalains (what gives beets their dark red color) in beets is unique.  Betalains are ‘dietary cationized antioxidants’ – antioxidants are essential to stopping oxidative processes that are associated with many degenerative diseases.  There is no question – you can’t beat beets.

Steaming your roots?  The difference between 15 and 25 minutes can have repercussions on the betalain count.  Be kind to your beets – although they look like a hardy root, they should be handled with love, and cooked minimally to maintain the nutrients packed into them.

Running list of Beet Nutrition Facts

– Preventing Cancer:  Beet juice has been proven to slow down tumor development and inhibits cell mutations from cancer compounds

– Heart Health: Beet fiber is good for your heart because it increases good cholesterol

– Liver Health: Beet juice stimulates the functions of the liver

– Lung/Respiratory Health: Beets have Vitamin C and beta-carotene which helps prevent lung cancer

– Eye Health: Beta-carotene helps to prevent cataracts

And, there is more.  But, why not work on incorporating some beets into your diet?  I am working on making “Beet Kvaas”, which is a nutrient-packed probiotic drink – you can steam your beets, marinate your beets, even eat them raw!  Also, juicing beets, and drinking beet juice is a great way to get some of the nutrients.  Some say “eat your colors”, but That’s Natural! says – “Beet It”!