Beets are well-known for their vivid red color and earthy flavor, but they have more nutritional value than many people realize.
Researchers claimed in a 2019 issue of Critical Reviews of Food Science and Nutrition that individuals should eat more beets because of their cost, accessibility, and the long list of health advantages.
When you start eating more beets, one of the benefits you'll notice is that its dark red pigment, known as betalains, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics.
A powerful pigment
In general, beets are a superfood. They are largely water, but they contain many fibers (2.3 grams per beet) and nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin A.
Although these are all excellent health advantages, beets are distinguished from other fruits and vegetables by their high quantities of betalain, a natural plant pigment.
According to the Encyclopedia of Food and Health, betalain is only found in beets, cactus pear, pitahaya, and swiss chard, as well as various betalain extracts. It's also found in various other plants and leaves, but none is edible to humans.
According to a Nutrients article, betalain has been related to reducing inflammation, having antioxidant effects, and even lowering cancer risk in some situations.
Indeed, experts have been so struck by the health benefits of beets that they have continued to investigate the prospect of employing beet extract to treat inflammatory diseases like liver disease and arthritis.
As you can see, the benefits of eating beets are numerous, and the only known "bad" side effect of consuming betalain from beets is that it may cause your urine to become red or pink, according to Cleveland Clinic!
Consider incorporating them into this paleo smoothie recipe if you're seeking new ways to eat beets but don't care for the flavor.
If you like the taste of beets, try roasting them yourself and then incorporating them into this Savory Roasted Beet Salad with Barley.