This sweet root vegetable is available all year, but is at its nutritional peak between June and October. Beets are pack a significant nutritional punch, and make a worthy addition to just about everyone’s daily intake. Experts recommend juicing or roasting beets to get the most out of them. You can also enjoy them raw.
- Calories: 44
- Protein: 1.7 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Carbs: 10 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Folate: 20% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Manganese: 14% of the DV
- Copper: 8% of the DV
- Potassium: 7% of the DV
- Magnesium: 6% of the DV
- Vitamin C: 4% of the DV
- Vitamin B6: 4% of the DV
- Iron: 4% of the DV
Folate is the star nutrient in beets, which helps with growth, development, and heart health. Researchers have also found that increasing your intake of folate could significantly lower your blood pressure.
Beets have also been shown to improve athletic performance. Dietary nitrates found in beets could help your cells produce more energy, enhance endurance by boosting cardio-respiratory performance, and increase oxygen use by up to 20%
The compound that gives beets its deep red color may help combat chronic inflammation associated with heart disease, liver disease and cancer.
So beef up on your beets! They’re easily accessible at a farmers market or grocery store, and in some instances, can even be ordered online. Try to consume them fresh whenever possible to make the most of this amazing vegetable.