Not only are beets sweet and tasty, but provides numerous health benefits for our mind and body. Sharing with you a super simple recipe that is easy to create in your home with such versatility and flavor. Beets are wonderful to utilize in most meals such as an appetizer, salads, smoothies, baked goods, soups and just by itself. These sweet and earthy root vegetables are packed with surprising nutrients and benefits. Below is a list of why you may want to consume more beautiful beets into your healthy lifestyle.

 

 

 

 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF BEETS

 

 

Beets are rich in nitrates, which your body converts to nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes and dilates blood vessels in turning them into superhighways for your nutrients and oxygen rich blood, which means better circulation and improved blood pressure.

 

 

REDUCTION in heart disease risk due to rich in betaine and folate, which together helps to lower levels of homocysteine in the body.

 

 

Improved STAMINA – Researches has suggested when athletes consume beets that nitrates boost endurance performance. In one study, cyclists who drank beet juice could pedal harder longer 15% in time trail to exhaustion. So if your are racing, drink up and crush it!

 

 

BETTER BRAIN function due to nitric oxide in relaxing and dilating blood vessels, in turn increase blood flow to the brain which brings on healthy neurons in the body.  Give your brain a boost with beets!

 

 

LIGHTER LIVER in consuming more beets will allow better cleansing of the unwanted toxins in your body.

 

 

CHRONIC DISEASE fighter due to a rich source of betalains, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatories that battle free radical and inflammation related chronic diseases like heart disease, obesity and possibly cancers.

 

 

PROMOTES IRREGULARITY  with it’s source of high fiber with just one cup of beets contains 4 grams of dietary fiber, which helps reduce the risk of constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticulitis.

 

 

 

 

PURCHASING FRESH BEETS:

 

 

Did you know, that the greens of the beets are edible and provide rich nutrients such as carotenoids and lutein/zeaxanthin? They are mostly available at farmers markets and can be used interchangeably with chards.

 

Although we mostly see bright purple colored tones in grocery stores, they come in many colors. Beets are widely available year round, but the peak season is normally summer (June) to fall (October). And stay clear of spotted and bruised beets where it may be bleeding from the root.

 

 

THE HEALTHIEST WAY TO EAT BEETS ARE:

 

RAW – they firm, crunchy and mildly sweet tasting and an excellent addition to smoothies, salads, and juices. When eaten raw you do not lose any of the nutrients as well.

 

 

COOKED – they are often paired well with goat cheese, balsamic vinegar and arugula salads. They are commonly canned and pickled and can alter the taste and nutrient profile depending on how it is prepared.

 

 

ROASTED – make sure to cook or roast lightly in retaining it nutrient qualities for overall well-being. Studies have shown that the content of phytonutrients are diminished through high heat. The healthiest way to cook them is either steaming them for 20 minutes or roasted for under an hour, which slowly cooks them. Always best to wrap them when roasting or cooking to prevent staining on hands or surfaces.

 

 

 

 

 

Shall we let’s scroll down to the recipe……………….

 

 

 

 

 

 

SERVES: about 2 to 3

 

 

 

INGREDIENTS:

 

3 whole beets, fresh, organic

1 tbsp olive oil

1/8 tsp sea salt

1/8 tsp black pepper

1-2 tbsp rosemary, fresh or essential oil 1-2 drops

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven 400 degrees

Prepare the beets by scrubbing top layer or peeling and then rinse well.

Lay beets down on aluminum or parchment on a flat surface. Drizzle olive oil over the beets and rub in with gloves on or you may use a brush. Add the the rest of the seasoning and blend well. Fold foil to form a closed packet. Then place them on a baking sheet and into the oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until soft and fragrant.

Remove from oven and let cool. You may slice or leave as is until needed in the refrigerator.

 

 

 

 

 

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