Ready to venture out with your groceries and try something new? I really love beets, but when I mention this I get 1 of 2 looks…”Oh I love them too.” Or “Are you crazy?!”
No matter what your previous beet experiences may be, these gorgeous little beauties are packed with such goodness. Their rich color just hints of their many benefits! You might see beets as an option “off-the-beet-en path”, or even overlook them as a little unusual, “out there” and a bit “too scary to try.” But, give ‘em another chance. They’re loaded with flavor and give the body some unique, powerful perks. Here’s a closer look and a simple summary of the many highlights you can love about them:
–Fight cancer
–Protect eye health from macular degeneration and cataracts (even more so from beet greens)
–Reduce birth defects – excellent source of folate to prevent neural tube defects/spina bifida
–Support detox – helping your liver and cleaning your blood, making sure the toxins can get flushed out
–Reduce inflammation
–Provide strong antioxidant support through an unusual phytonutrient blend of betalain antioxidant pigments (distinct red color), Vitamin C and manganese
–Give additional antioxidant support through betaines, reducing inflammatory markers (especially protecting the heart and blood vessels)
–Reduce blood pressure and improve circulation – by forming nitric oxide, blood vessels relax and dilate…even increasing brain blood flow and function
–Boost endurance – increasing athletic performance to exhaustion by 15-20%
And more!
So what in the world do you do with them??
Beet shopping & prep tips:
1-Look for bright-colored roots w/ fresh, green leaves.
2-Remove (slice off) tops and set aside for green smoothies.
3-Wash and scrub beets well to remove all mud and dirt.
4-Trim and remove hair roots and dark or tough spots.
5-Bake in covered dish with ¼-1/2” water about 45 minutes OR quarter and steam 15-20 minutes. Ideally, keep cooking time as short as possible to maintain nutrients (definitely under 1 hr.) Beets are done when they are “tender” when poked with a fork.
6-Season with olive oil or butter and a little sea salt and/or garlic …or ginger. Or try this super easy, lovely Beet and Feta Salad
(Beets are super easy to grow, if you’re looking for a gardening adventure. Fresh from the garden, they are unbelievably sweet.)
(Oh, and don’t be shocked if you notice very bright reddish colors in the bathroom for the next few days. 🙂 )