#Superfood Friday- BEETS

Carmen Deacetis
Apr 24, 2015
2 min read

Beets

Part of the chenopod family — similar to chard, spinach and quinoa, these foods continue to show an increasing number of health benefits not readily available from other food families. Beets contain a earthy taste to them, not liked by all, but hopefully the health benefits of beets change the minds and taste buds of many.

There are a few different kinds of beets, Red and Yellow (golden) beets being among the most popular. The red and yellow betalain pigments found in beets, their unique carotenoids, and the special connection between their overall phytonutrients and our nervous system health, point to beets as unique in their health value.

Some of the many benefits of beets:

Beets offer a natural energy boost.
Great source of iron and fibre and immune boosters, which contribute to their cancer fighting properties.
Beets may boost stamina to help you exercise longer, improve blood flow, and help lower blood pressure, some research shows because beets are rich in natural chemicals called nitrates which the body converts into nitric oxide which helps with blood flow and blood pressure.
Beets are high in antioxidants such as betalain antioxidant pigments (which give them their red colour), coupled with their high levels of manganese and a good source of the antioxidant vitamin C, the unique phytonutrients in beets provide antioxidant support in a different way than other antioxidant-rich vegetables.
Beets are anti-inflammatory, due mainly to their high antioxidant content and good levels of choline, which is a key vitamin for helping regulate inflammation in the cardiovascular system.
Helps support the bodies natural detoxification process, mainly in part because of the betalin pigments they contain.

Most people, when eating beets, discard the beet greens. These are some of the healthiest part of the vegetable. Besides containing important nutrients like protein, phosphorus, zinc, fiber, vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese, beet greens also supply significant amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Next time you are at the grocery store or at the local farmer’s market, make sure to stop and pick up some beets (with the beet greens) and give this delicious smoothie a try; especially if you are a chocolate lover!

Red Velvet Beet Smoothie