Beets are a nutritional powerhouse. They are mostly water, which means that they can help you feel full without being loaded with calories—there are only around 60 calories in an entire cup of raw beet roots. Beets contain antioxidants, fiber, iron, and potassium, as well as vitamins B and C. They could help to improve your blood flow (leaving you feeling more energized) and they could even help lower your blood pressure. Their leaves, stems, and roots are all edible. The leaves are gentler and less bitter than kale, which makes them more palatable for many people. The stalks can be fibrous. If you’re gardening, go ahead and trim greens early, or look for smaller stalks if you’re shopping at the market. Here are three delicious ways to enjoy beets.
Raw Try grating beet root right on top of your salad. Another favorite is juicing beet root with red and purple fruits including cherries, berries, and grapes. Short on time? Bottled beet juice is also readily available in most health food stores.
Sautéed Beet leaves are a great substitution for recipes that call for kale, spinach, collard or turnip greens. Try steaming the stalks and leaves for around 8 minutes. When they’re tender, throw them in a sauté pan with a little balsamic vinegar. When the vinegar has reduced, transfer the vegetables to a serving dish. Sprinkle with raisins and walnuts.
Roasted Roasted, chopped beet root is a great addition to almost any sheet pan recipe that calls for sweet potatoes, carrots, or gold potatoes. Roasted beets taste earthy and slightly sweet without being starchy, and their purple color brings visual interest to any plate.
The opinions stated in this blog post are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your physicians before incorporating new foods into your diet.
