Can’t Beet ‘Em

You can’t beet ’em!

Aside from being one of our favorite vegetable puns, beets have quite a flavor reputation, both good and bad. Most people tend to fall into one of two categories, either they adore them or they despise them. While beets are naturally sweet and jam packed full of nutrition, it is easy to see why some can’t get enough of them. However beets are also often criticized for their earthy flavor, and rightfully so. If you happen to fall on the “beet despising” side of the debate, here are a few reasons you might want to give the roots another chance.

1. Best of Betaine: The antioxidant glycine betaine is in such high quantity in beets that it was actually named after the root. Glycine betaines main role in the body is to regulate the amount of water in your cells. Therefore, eating foods high in glycine betaine helps protect your kidneys and liver. In addition, this particular antioxidant protects the cardiovascular system by decreasing the amount of homocysteine in the body and promoting the function of folate.

2. Full of Folate: Folate is a B vitamin that has many health benefits and some scary side effects if not consumed. Folate plays a role in blood cell and bone marrow formation as well as DNA production. Folate also assists the body in using energy from carbohydrates. When pregnant women don’t get enough folate in their diet they are at higher risk for having a child with birth defects.

3. Packed with Phenols: Phenols are phytonutrients that has several health benefits. Eating foods high in phenols decreases your chances of having cancer by providing high levels of antioxidants and protecting DNA from free radicals. They also prevent the formations of carcinogens and nitrosamines as well as blocking the existing ones from damaging cells. Phenols increase the body’s ability to rid itself of toxins, as well.

4. Topped with tasty benefits: Not only beet roots overflowing with health benefits but their greens are super nutritious, too! Beet greens are high in carotenoids and flavonoids, which are phytonutrients that work as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. They protect against overactive cell division (which prevents cancer), inhibit blood clotting, and promote healthy skin and eye cells.

So for all of you beet naysayers, think about giving beets another shot. Choose beets that are very fresh or pickled to reduce the earthy taste. Try different recipes and methods of cooking. Beets are great in salads and their natural sweetness complements chocolate well. And don’t forget the greens! They are great sautéed and go well in salads.