Robin’s Healthy Take: Can’t Beet Em’ by Robin Miller in Robin's Healthy Take, January 23, 2012
They bury their heads in the ground. People hardly talk about them, and they cook with them even less. Could we be talking about the sweetest vegetable in the entire veggie kingdom? I thought we were a sweet-lovin’ nation. Beets are colorful, sugary and wonderful and should adorn your menu often. If you need more convincing, consider this: beets contain a unique source of phytonutrients called betalains, powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and detoxification qualities. They also contain two carotenoids: lutein and zeaxanthin, particularly known for their role in protecting eye health and preventing common age-related eye problems involving the macula and the retina. Boasting a mere 43 calories, one 2-inch beet has 3 grams of fiber plus loads of potassium, manganese and folate.
