Beets

Reasons to add Beets to your diet:

A recent study at London’s Queen Mary University found that one glass of beet juice daily was more effective at lowering high blood pressure than medication.  Of course, this doesn’t mean you should stop taking medication if you have high blood pressure. But, it does mean that adding a cup of beet juice and more beets to your diet could be helpful in the treatment of high blood pressure, angina and heart disease.

Naturally-occurring nitrates have been shown to widen blood vessels and allow more oxygen-rich blood to travel to the heart.  

Raw beets or raw beet juice contain betaine, a natural anti-inflammatory that helps protect against aging and disease.

The phytonutrient, proanthocyanidin, that gives beets their rich purplish color is also a potent anti-cancer compound. 

Beets are high in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system.

Beets are high in the B-complex vitamin folate which when consumed by pregnant women have been shown in many studies to reduce the risk of birth defects in the baby.

Beets are also high in the minerals manganese and potassium.  Manganese is required for healthy bones, liver, kidneys, and pancreas.  Potassium helps ensure healthy nerve and muscle function.

Now I am not a beet fan. It is a bit too earthy even for my taste. However, with all these benefits I may have to try to disguise it in my juice! Warning: your urine will be red and it is a good thing. ;) What beet recipes do you enjoy? Really, I need help here