Beets
Beets have been cultivated since pre-historic times in the Mediterranean area and were originally grown only for their leaves. During the Roman empire, people began to eat the roots as well - and even considered beets to be an aphrodisiac. They even used beets to treat fevers and constipation.Today, beets and beet dishes are still widely popular.
Americans refer to this root vegetable simply as "beets", but the rest of the world calls it beetroot. Peak season is June through October. Look for small, firm, round beets with a dark red color and slender tap root.
Like most deep-colored vegetables, beets are loaded with antioxidant phytonutrients. Beets are a good source of folacin and a source of Vitamin C and potassium. Red beets provide Vitamins A and C, calcium and iron, and add fiber to the diet.
Blood Pressure, Circulation and Inflammation
Beets (and beet juice) are blood-building herb that detoxifies blood and renews it with minerals and natural sugars. There may also be substances in beets that aid circulation. Recently, a Greek study found that people with higher intakes of betaine and the B vitamin choline had less inflammation, suggesting that these nutrients may help protect against heart disease and other chronic illnesses. Other research from Britain has found that drinking two cups of beet juice a day significantly lowered blood pressure in 14 healthy volunteers. Scientists think the nitrates found naturally in beets protect blood vessels and keep them healthy.
Beet juice contains betaine, which stimulates function of liver cells and protects our liver and bile ducts. Beets have been found to build red corpuscles and add tone to blood.
Combined findings on beets suggest that beet root ingestion can be one of the useful means to prevent cancer.
Suggestion: Wrap beets in foil and roast at 400 degrees until a fork pierces easily, about 40 minutes; slip skins off with a knife tip.
Beets pair well with flavorful goat, feta and blue cheeses, nuts and citrus fruits. They are ideal in salads, as a soup or a simple side dish, tossed with olive oil and sprinkled with pepper. Remember, however, hands aren't the only thing beets stain red. Beets can temporarily turn some people's urine a pink or reddish color, a condition called beeturia.
See also:
Beet Food Facts
Cooking Tip: Keep the Vitamins in Your Vegetables from our sister site, Fitness and Freebies
Recipe: Garlicky Beet Delight
6 medium beets
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, crushed
Salt to taste
Wash the beets and boil until tender, about 45 minutes (or 20 minutes in a pressure cooker). Remove the skins by running cold water over the boiled beets, and then slipping of their skins. Slice the beets and toss with the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and salt.
Makes 4 servings
Calories: 141
Total Fat: 10.3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 222mg
Total Carbohydrates: 11.6g
Dietary Fiber: 2.2g
Protein: 2g
Print just the recipes. (New window)
See also:
Beets with Orange and Dill
Rich Chocolate Beet Bread
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