Beets
Beets (beta vulgaris) aka: beetroots, are oval shaped root vegetables with green leafy tops. Beets typically appear in dark purple or red, but can also be found in a variety of colors.
Health benefits of Beets
- Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
- Increased Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Regulation of Blood Sugar and Insulin Dependence
- Slowing the progression of AIDS
- Slowing Aging
- DNA Repair and Protection
- Protection Against Dementia
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Promoted Eye Health
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Stroke Prevention
- Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes
- Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches
- Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Antioxidant Protection
- Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
- Alleviation of the Common Cold
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
- Alleviation of Inflammation
Some of these health benefits come from nutrients concentrated in this food, and may not be effects of the food itself.
How to choose Beets
Look for smooth skinned beets with bright vibrant colors. Avoid any beets with soft spots or discolorations. If the greens are still attached try to choose those with vibrant colors and little wilting. The greens of the beet are also edible and quite nutritious.
How to store Beets
Remove any greens from the stem to prevent them pulling moisture from the beets. Wash and store the beets in a plastic bag in the fridge. They will keep for 5-7 days.
Climate and origin
Beets are thought to have originated in the Mediterranean and grow in cooler climates (Zones 3-9 in the U.S.).
Taste
Beets have a fragrant sweet taste.
Miscellaneous information
Sugar beets are extremely high in sugar, and are often refined into an unhealthy form of white sugar.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrition Facts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | |||
| 100 grams (100g) | |||
| Calories | 43 | ||
| % Daily Value * | |||
| Total Fat 0.17g | 0% | ||
| Saturated Fat 0.03g | 0% | ||
| Trans Fat 0g | |||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | ||
| Sodium 78mg | 3% | ||
| Total Carbohydrate 9.6g | 3% | ||
| Dietary Fiber 2.8g | 10% | ||
| Total Sugars 6.8g | 14% | ||
| Includes --g Added Sugars | --% | ||
| Protein 1.6g | 3% | ||
| Vitamin C 4.9mg | 5% | ||
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | ||
| Iron 0.8mg | 4% | ||
| Calcium 16mg | 1% | ||
| Potassium 325mg | 7% | ||
| Phosphorus 40mg | 3% | ||
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |||