When I was a kid, the only vegetable Iwouldn’teat was beets.
My mother always bought them canned or jarred and I didn’t like their slimy, earthy taste.
Now, after trying them as an adult, beets are one of my favorite vegetables!
If you aren’t eating beets now, consider adding them into your diet.
They can be quite tasty, prepared in a variety of ways, and pack a big nutritional punch.
You may have no idea how to even start eating or preparing them.
They have little protein or fat, which is expected for a vegetable.
Vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrient content is where beets really shine.
Beets are high in vitamins A, C, and B6.
With all these nutrients, beets certainly pack a punch.
Therefore, fiber adds volume to our food, without adding any additional calories.
They make exercise easier
Hate exercise?
Feel like it’s so hard you want to quit?
Eating beets may make it a little easier.
Beets increase levels of nitric oxide in the body, helping the body utilize oxygen more efficiently.
Based on this research, beets may be an awesome pre-workout snack.
They contain a bit of sugar to help fuel your workout and possibly even make it a little easier.
Beets are your best friend when it comes to training.
In other words, I can run faster and longer with less perceived exertion.
you could add it to a smoothie or protein shake in the morning before a run.
Teresa likes to add it to her pre-race pancakes for an extra boost of beet nutrition.
Various metrics were taken to determine inflammation levels and muscle recovery over a 72-hour period.
In this particular study, 30 men and women were given 500 grams of beetroot juice or a placebo.
Blood pressure was measured every hour for a 24-hour period after consuming the juice.
Systolic blood pressure was lower for six hours after consuming the beet juice, when compared to the placebo.
Nitric oxide has been shown to help improve blood flow and may be beneficial to maintaining a healthier brain.
The frontal lobe is responsible for a higher level of brain function, such as complex tasks.
They’re super easy to prepare
Beets are easy to prepare in a variety of ways.
Consider grating them raw over a salad, like you would a carrot, for a little antioxidant boost.
Pickled beets can also be added to a salad for extra antioxidants and flavor.
Goat cheese and a light vinaigrette make a great topper for roasted beets.
you’re able to also lightly steam them, or wrap them in foil and bake.
you’re able to also consider juicing them.
They add a bit of an earthy taste to any fresh fruit or vegetable juice.
These are a great option for when you want beets on the go.
When choosing beets, avoid those with bruises or those that are leaking juice around the stem.
They should be firm with smooth skin.
This couldn’t be further from the truth.
I have personally had this experience and it can be quite terrifying.
On a recent grocery trip, I found some delicious freeze-dried beets.
I was so excited for such a healthy snack, I ate the whole package.
I was certain that I was dying.
Then, I remembered the beets!
Luckily I hadn’t yet gone to the ER.
That would have made this story even more embarrassing.
The moral of the story is be prepared for this one weird side effect.
You’re not dying, it’s just the deep red color of the beets you recently ate.
It will only last a day or two and there is no cause for concern.
They’re easy to cook, relatively inexpensive, and add a quick boost of nutrients to your day.
And who doesn’t want to feel less sore after a workout?
They can even help keep your heart and brain healthy.
So, next time you are at the store, pick up some beets.
