Hey there! Have you ever thought about how one simple veggie could do wonders for your health? Well, let me introduce you to the amazing beet! This colorful & delicious root vegetable is like a superhero in disguise, ready to boost your heart health, ramp up your fitness performance, and even give your brain a power-up! In this post, we’ll explore the top reasons why you should make beets a regular part of your diet. Get ready to be amazed by how this vibrant superfood can brighten up your plate and supercharge your health- Lets jump in! 😋
Beets have a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Originally, they grew wild in the Mediterranean region & were primarily used for their leaves, which were similar to chard. The ancient Romans were among the first to cultivate beets for their roots as well as their leaves, recognizing their nutritional value and medicinal properties. By the Middle Ages, beets had spread throughout Europe, believed to aid in digestion & treat blood disorders. 🤯
I was first introduced to the powerful effects of beets while I was running track in college. I quickly felt a big shift in my athletic performance and was instantly hooked.
How They Can Benefit You
Packed with “The Good Stuff”: Beets are jampacked full of vitamins and minerals that keep your body healthy, like vitamin C, fiber, & potassium✨
Heart Helpers: Beets have something called nitrates that turn into nitric oxide in your body. This helps relax your blood vessels and can lower your blood pressure❤️
Energy Boosters: Those same nitrates can make your muscles work better, so you can exercise more without getting tired as quickly⚡
Fight Inflammation: Beets have special stuff called betalains that help reduce inflammation, which can protect you from getting sick💪
Brain Boosters: Eating beets can improve blood flow to your brain, helping you think clearer and maybe even making you smarter😉🧠
Detox Buddies: Beets help your liver get rid of toxins, kind of like taking out the trash for your body🚮
Happy Tummy: Beets are high in fiber, which helps keep your digestion smooth & prevents tummy troubles like constipation😊
Weight Watchers: They’re low in calories but high in water, making them a satisfying and low-calorie food option that can aid in weight management💧
But WAIT!! The Real Hero Here Is…
The Mighty, Underappreciated Beet Green! The leafy tops of beetroot are often overlooked but are incredibly nutritious and offer several health benefits. Here are some key advantages of eating beet greens:
Beet greens tend to have a milder & sweet taste and cook into a more tender texture. As for the stems- they’re much tastier than those of collards and kale.
They’re also more nutritious! Beet greens are some of the most nutrient-rich greens, containing more antioxidants and other phytonutrients than the roots themselves.
Nutrient Bomb: Beet greens are loaded with vitamins A, C, K, and a bunch of B vitamins, plus minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. Talk about a nutritional powerhouse!💥
Antioxidant Superstars: These greens are rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene & lutein, which help keep your cells happy and healthy by fighting off nasty free radicals🌟
Eye Love You: Thanks to the beta-carotene and lutein, beet greens are great for your eyes, potentially reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts👁️
Immune Boost: With a hefty dose of vitamin C, beet greens help boost your immune system, making you less likely to catch that dreaded cold📈
Bone Builders: They’re packed with vitamin K and calcium, both of which are essential for maintaining strong, healthy bones and fending off osteoporosis🦴
Digestive Delight: High in dietary fiber, beet greens help keep your digestive system running smoothly, preventing constipation & promoting a healthy gut❇️
Inflammation Fighters: Beet greens contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in your body, keeping you feeling your best💯
Heart Helpers: The potassium and magnesium in beet greens help regulate blood pressure, while their fiber content can lower cholesterol levels, all of which are great for your heart🩸
Detox Champs: Beet greens support your liver’s natural detox processes, helping your body get rid of toxins more effectively🧹
I Apologize to the Beet Community in Advance…
Although there are several ways to prepare beets & their greens to reap these amazing benefits- such as sautéing them like spinach, tossing them into soups and stews, or adding them to salads- I gotta be honest, I’m personally not a huge fan of eating them per se. Instead, I really prefer to juice them up into delicious smoothies! 🥤 Here’s my favorite go-to recipe:
1. Berry Beet Bliss
- 1 small beetroot or 1/2 large beetroot, peeled and diced🔪
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) 🍓🫐
- 1 banana, peeled and sliced🍌
- 1 cup spinach leaves🥬
- 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)🥛
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)🍯
- Ice cubes (optional)🧊
Blend all ingredients until nice & smooth. Adjust sweetness with honey or maple syrup as desired. Enjoy this vibrant and antioxidant-rich smoothie! 😋
I’m so excited for you to see all that this amazing vegetable can do for you & your health! Leave a comment below with your experience and your favorite way to incorporate it into your meals!
Until next time- Thanks for reading!
💖Kasia