To get the most out of beets, I recommend eating the red beets. Beets pack a nutritional punch for the liver because they contains phytonutrients called betalains and betaine. The phytonutrients are supportive and protective of the liver and a healthy liver is vital to keep the body fit, trim, and young.
Not only are the beets themselves healthy and tasty but beet greens are fabulous as well. When I grow beets in my garden, I choose varieties that have abundant green leaves on the top.
Since many people are unfamiliar with beets and how to prepare them, I have some website suggestions for more information
• The World’s Healthiest Foods: http://www.whfoods.com/
• Issue 10 (November/December 2009) has a great article called Just Beet It
• One of my favorite blogs has information on roasting beets, http://www.elanaspantry.com/how-to-roast-beets/, plus making beet hummus http://www.elanaspantry.com/beet-hummus/.
• http://sites.google.com/site/spiritualfoodcsa/food-a-pedia/beets
Roasted beets and butternut squash (or sweet potatoes) are a staple in my house during the cooler months of the year. Sauteed beet greens make a tasty side dish to any meal. I also make a beverage called Beet Kvass, which is for the more adventurous beet eaters Email me at drgreenfield@yahoo.com for more info on the Kvass. The only thing I don’t recommend is eating beets from a can. Canned food has little nutritional value. Fresh is always best.
I was not an adventurous eater as a child or even a young adult. I remember the “yuck factor” when tasting a pickled beet while in my early 20s. But once I taught myself to cook and experimented with vegetables, I learned to love beets and beet greens. I encourage you to give beets a try.
And a final note…if you eat beets, please be mindful that the color of your urine and stool will turn red. So, no, you are not bleeding, it’s a result of the beets!
Happy Eating!
Jennifer Greenfield D.C.
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| Beets from my garden, 2009 |
