BEETS: THE FORGOTTEN VEGETABLE
BEETS: THE FORGOTTEN VEGETABLE
By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT
Beets are so incredibly versatile, delicious and incredibly under used in the day to day diet. They come in a wide variety of colors and sweetness and can be prepared in a number of ways. In addition, beets are known to be extremely beneficial for circulation. Let’s explore this undervalued vegetable further.
Beets come to many varieties, colors and sweetness. We usually associate beets by their deep red color. However, they can also be found in white, striped, golden and different shades of red, check out OwnLifeYard to learn more about each variety. I can tell personally tell you that each color and variety have a different flavor and sweetness level. Beets can be eaten raw, steamed, roasted and even juiced, just to name a few of my favorites. Beets are also incredibly versatile because you can also use the beautiful leafy green stems. These leafy stems can be juiced (for a drink), sautéed (for a side dish) or chopped up to add to a hearty salad.
There are many health benefits that are supplied from beets. According to an article from the National Library of Medicine: National Center for Biotechnology Information titled The Potential Benefits of Red Beetroot Supplementation in Health and Disease beets are an important antioxidant that can be beneficial in managing inflammation, which is essential to help reduce the risk of potential issues such as diabetes, dementia and hypertension. The component Betalains, which gives beets their vibrant red color, is what supplies these antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The Cleveland Clinic also shows us that this red root vegetable has even more health benefits that we originally thought. These health benefits also include support for joint pain, asthma and osteoarthritis.
Due to the sweet taste of beets, many people that are pre-diabetic or diabetic may have a tendency to avoid beets. This is due to the fiber that beets contain. It has been shown that fiber is not only good for the digestive system, but can be beneficial for healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Beets may be particularly helpful for men’s health. According to an article from MedicalNewsToday, it may be something men suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) may want to consider. This is because of the benefits for healthy blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure can help to open the blood vessels, allowing for proper circulation. It is also particularly helpful because of the nitric oxide that beets help the body make.
MEN’S PICK ME UP SMOOTHIE
1 cup plain Greek Yogurt
1 cup ice
½ cup water
1 scoop Beets Hx
3 capsules Turmeric with Ginger
1 capsule Masculine Hx
Combine yogurt, ice, water and Beets Hx in a blender, then empty the contents of the Turmeric with Ginger and Masculine Hx into blender. Blend everything together until well combined and smooth. Empty into a glass and enjoy.
As you can see, beets are versatile and incredibly nutritious. I encourage you to add Beets Hx into your daily regimen. What will you’re favorite recipe be?
www.ownyardlife.com/types-of-beets/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4425174/
www.health.clevelandclinic.org/the-health-benefits-of-beets
www.diabeticme.org/learning-center/diet-guides/can-diabetics-eat-beets/
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/311343#beets-for-diabetes
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320675#health-benefits
