Healthy Beets

They're one of the most nutritious veggies you can get your hands on!

They're one of the most nutritious veggies you can get your hands on!

These crimson bulbs are not only beautiful to look at, they’re also one of the most nutritious root vegetables you can get your hands on. They are high in folic acid, calcium, potassium, vitamins B1 and B2, and vitamin C. They are also rich in betacyanin, a strong antioxidant, which gives them their gorgeous dark maroon hue. There are studies that show that beets have anti-cancer properties and help in lowering high blood pressure. They also aid in detoxifying the liver. Furthermore, beets are a good source of fiber and are low in calories.

Compared to other vegetables, beets have a high sugar content. Their natural sweetness makes them great tasting veggies, no matter how they’re prepared. Beets have a crunchy texture when eaten raw, but once cooked, they become soft and almost buttery. They can be pickled, roasted, baked, or boiled. But since their cancer-fighting properties diminish when cooked, they’re best eaten raw—either grated and mixed in with salads, or simply juiced and combined with carrot or cucumber juice.

Beets are available in the produce section of most supermarkets, and are now also making an appearance in a lot of wet markets. When buying beets, avoid those that are shriveled and have soft spots, both indicators that the beets are old. Pick out the smaller ones as they are sweeter and more tender.

• Chef Toby Reyes Jan 26 2010 @ 04:05pm Report Abuse

     

  Hi!
  
  In line with this article re beets, I'd like to mention that Chef Toby's Roasted Beet Vinaigrette is a best seller at the Legazpi Sunday Market. You can get it there every Sunday from 7 am - 2 pm or at my residence in Mandaluyong.
  
  Here are my contact details:
  
  Chef Toby Reyes: 0917-817-0731
  
  Thank you and Good Eats to everyone!