Not only are we sharing why beets are good for you, but for those that strongly hate the taste of beets, we have you covered too.
Whether they are deep purple, red, or gold, beets have the same rich earthy taste that just makes any meal pop with gorgeous color. They get their color from a powerful antioxidant, betalains. They are one of the few vegetables to contain betalains. From this antioxidant alone, betalains reduce inflammation and may help protect against cancer and other diseases. But there is more, much more!
Reasons Why Beets are Good for You
Boost Your Immune System
Did you know that having plenty of healthy bacteria in your digestive system helps fight disease and boost your immune system? Then it is a good thing that beets are high in fiber and promote the growth of good bacteria in your gut. Plus, the fiber also improves digestion and reduces the risk of constipation, a double bonus!
Nutritionally Dense
The top nutrients in beets are folate and potassium. Folate is a vitamin that helps keep your blood vessels healthy, and Potassium helps protect your heart. Additionally, beets are a great source of Manganese, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A.
Increase Stamina
Probably one of our favorite reasons why beets are so good for you is that beets and their juice help your heart and lungs work better during exercise. Nitric oxide from beets increases blood flow to your muscles. Some athletes eat beetroot or drink beet juice when exercising to improve their performance, which is why we include organic beetroot powder in our pre-workout, POW.
How to Prepare Beets
Beets like to hang out in cool temperatures. They grow best in spring and fall. If beets aren’t in season where you live, then canned or frozen beets are your next best thing and are still highly nutritious. Plus, like we mentioned above, beet root powder is also a great options for a nutritional supplement.
In the Oven:
- Clean, dry and cut beets.
- Toss them with olive oil and salt and pepper.
- Roast on foil baking at 375 degrees for about 55-60 minutes.
- Serve warm, cold, or use in a simple salad.
On the Stove, boil:
- Clean, dry, and cut beets.
- Add a little lemon juice to some water and cover the beets. The lemon juice helps keep the beets from bleeding and keep their bright coloring!
- Bring to a boil.
- Then simmer until tender, about 45 minutes.
- Toss in a salad, serve warm, or mashed!
On the Stove, steam:
- Place unpeeled beets in a steamer basket in a pot.
- Add 1″ water to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer about 30 minutes.
Using one of these methods is sure to make beets taste WAY better than eating them raw. And remember if you really dislike the taste of beets, then consume them before a workout in a powder form, like in our pre-workout POW. Not only will you get the great nutritional benefits from beets but also have a better workout too!
