Health Benefits of Beets

Back in the day, my late Grandma Ann would always give my late Grandpa Orris six jars of pickled beets for Christmas. We'd look at the jars filled with purple balls and crinkle our noses (obviously never having tried them). The next time I would see a beet would be at Thanks Giving when Grandpa Orris would usually crack open his last jar for the special occasion. At the time I just thought it was something only old people liked to eat, however little did I know the amazing health benefits of beets (along with the unique earthy taste of a pickled beet).

The Health Benefits of Beets

• Beets contain phytonutrients called betalains which aid provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification mechanisms for your body.
• Due to the combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of beets, they can help prevent many different types of cancer
• The fiber in beets contains properties that may prevent colon cancer and help protect the cardiovascular system

Great, so how do I eat and prepare a beet?

The most common and healthiest way to prepare a beet is to steam them for no more than 15 minutes to prevent damaging the phytonutrients.

• Rinse gently under cold running water - try not to tear the skin
• Wear gloves so you don't end up with red fingers as beet juice can stain the skin
• Cut beets into quarters try to leave around 2 inches of tap root and 1 inch of stem on the beets.
• Steam for no more than 15 minutes and enjoy