6 Health Benefits of Eating Beets
If you are an avid beet lover, this article isn’t for you (but read on anyway for validation of your beet love)! You already know that beets are an extremely nutritious food choice that just happens to be tasty and delicious – you can eat the greens too! You already know that beets are an insane source of vitamins and minerals. But did you know that beets are the second largest source of sugar, after sugar cane?
If you’re not a beet lover, read on, and you soon will be.
1. Beets are nature’s Viagra
Seriously. One of the first known uses of beets was by the ancient Romans, who used them medicinally as an aphrodisiac. And that’s not just urban legend – science backs it up. Beets contain high amounts of boron, which is directly related to the production of human sex hormones.
2. Beets are high in many vitamins and minerals
Potassium, magnesium, fiber, phosphorus, iron; vitamins A, B & C; beta-carotene, beta-cyanine; folic acid. These are but a few of the many nutrients, vitamins and minerals that can be found in beets and beet greens. Beets are particularly beneficial to women whom are pregnant, as the vitamin B and iron are very beneficial to new growth cells during pregnancy and replenishing iron in the woman’s body.
3. Beets cleanse the body
They are a wonderful tonic for the liver, works as a purifier for the blood, and can prevent various forms of cancer. Nuff said, right? Tastes good and prevents cancer? Sign me up!
4. Beets help your mental health
Beets contain betaine, the same substance that is used in certain treatments of depression. It also contains trytophan, which relaxes the mind and creates a sense of well-being, similar to chocolate. Beets can also lower your blood pressure. So if you’re already steamed about not eating beets, you can get a two-fer by diving into them right away.
5. Beets are used as a stomach acid tester
How in the world does that work? Glad you asked. If you are eating a lot of beets or beet juice, and your pee turns pink, guess what? You have low stomach acid. Pee still clear? Ratchet it up and get juicing (use the greens too)! Nutritionists use beets and beet juice to test stomach acid levels, so stay ahead of the curve by adding beets to your diet now.
6. Beets are a high source of energy
At the same time they are low in calories and high in sugar (although the sugar is released into your system gradually, as opposed to chocolate). Very few foods found in the natural world are as beneficial as beets in this regard.
Beets are a wonderful addition to any dietary need. With their high volume of nutrients, delicious taste, and multitude of uses, anyone can jump right into beets without missing a beat.
Bet you didn’t know:
Beets were served in space when the astronauts of Apollo 18 met up with their brethren in Soyuz 19. They served borscht.
To-do:
If you are juicing, but haven’t gotten to veggies yet, give beets a try. Use a small amount at first to supplement your already yummy fruit smoothies. Work your way up to more as you see fit.
What are you using your beets for? Let us know in the comments below.
Want to reenact the meeting of Apollo 18 and Soyuz 19? Try this delicious recipe for Golden Borscht.
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I made borscht for the first time this last week. It was delicious and I noticed that I felt happy, calm, and healthy all week long. Believe in the beets!
Glad to hear from another beet believer!
Cassi and I work together. Hearing her talk about how good she has felt after a week of eating beets has inspired me to make to beet kvass this weekend. I love beets, but sometimes it takes a little bit of reminding to remember that!
Why is that,every time i eat Beets. My pow Turns Red!
Is that Normal?
It is normal for your feces to turn red when eating beets, but if your urine turns red as well it may be a sign of depleted stomach acids. This can easily be rectified by adding more greens to your diet (including beet greens!) and/or consuming more probiotics containing beneficial bacteria.
OK, I know its a little early on a weekend for me, but, I am a tad confused by what #5 says in the article compared to your comment (to one of the readers questions). In the article (#5) it says if your urine is pink your stomach acid is low (I am assuming that its normal/preferred to want low stomach acid) and if your urine is clear to consume MORE plus greens. Now down in the comments a person said their feces is red and if I am understanding correctly you commented that if your urine is red (ur acid in the stomach is depleting), too, to consume more beets/greens. So what I am looking for is what is the correct color to shoot for here for the urine….pink?
Thanks in advance to your reply and sorry if what I am trying to figure out is obvious to somebody else that more awake than me at this moment…lol
Hi Cathy, sorry for the confusion. What we are discussing is called Beeturia – the passing of red or pink urine after eating beetroots or foods colored with beetroot extract or beetroot pigments. It is specific to urine, as beets will always color feces red. Beeturia can be a symptom of haemochromatosis, excessive iron absorption, an often hereditary genetic disorder. But, some studies have also shown that there is a wide variance in Beeturia occurence. What to take from all of this? If you are seeing a strong occurrence of coloration in your urine from consuming beets, consult your family physician. It could be a sign of haemochromatosis but further testing is necessary.
Cathy, just wanted you to know that I had the exact same question as you, as I was reading the article and the comments! Thanks for asking it!!!
Just to let you know, I had that question also!!
We’ve been juicing beets for over two years and can’t save enough good things about them. We’ve noticed a huge improvement to my skin completion by juicing beets. Beets are also a natural laxative helping you stay regular and help with weight loss. Since beets are high in sugar content, we recommend drinking it no later than noon, this way your body is awake and help process the good natural sugar. To our surprise, beet juice by itself is delicious. I
I was just about to post a recipe for Beetballs and Pasta:(http://crunchyhippie.com/recipe/view/beetballs-and-spaghetti/ )on our facebook page but I also like to share the health benefits of whatever healthy dish I’m sharing! Great list, thank you! I will be sharing it with our healthy community at http://www.CrunchyHippie.com~ a green social network based around living natural, healthy and peaceful lives! Please come on by~ we’d love to have you all be a part of it! ~Amber~
Wow, the recipes looks good Amber. Thanks for sharing, we’ll keep our eye out for other tasty and healthy recipes to share!
Beet risotto garnished with fresh goat cheese and arugula – especially delicious during my current pregnancy and the striking pink colour makes it an impressive dish at a dinner party. Yum!
I never liked beets since i was young, but last week i juice a half medium size beet and 3 medium sizes apples and i have to say it was GOOD. I been drinking friut and green smoothies for some time now, just started back with juicing but will add beets in the mix.
Nice! The chemical that gives beets its red pigment, Betanin, has been shown to help detoxify the blood and has been used as such for centuries. Great addition to a morning smoothie!
I love beets. they are so sweet right after steaming. But mostly i like it as a blended juice. Try Apple, Orange, Beet, Ginger and Carrot and serve in a big beer mug on ice. It’s excellent.
I make a beet energy drink that works like a charm and taste yummy too!
Wow, sounds colorful!
I just added beets to my smoothie. Having a busy schedule I like having it as a daily go to berries, spinach, a banana, greek yogurt and now beets make up my energy packed sipper! Love the addition.
I put my beets in the oven wrapped in foil for an hour and a half on 400. The skin comes off very easily afterwards and is great for cubing and putting in an arugula salad with goat cheese and persimmons.
Sounds delicious Liz!
I love beets that have been gently boiled (don’t remove the base of the stems from the beet) until just tender, chilled, peeled, sliced and marinated in a savory herbed vinaigrette dressing. Served with potatoes and greens, heaven!!!
Are golden beets as health beneficial as red beets? Was wondering…I love to roast them with carrots and fennel.
Golden beets have all the health benefits of red beets, though they have less betanin (the pigment that has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxification effects) they still contain generous amounts of folates, manganese, potassium, fiber and a whole host of beneficial nutrients and minerals. SO eat those beets!
I have a question….I had roasted beet salad twice in three days…there were red and golden beets in both salads…I had a yellowish/brownish staining rather than red urine…is that a result of the golden beets???? I was definitely, but didn’t even realize I might be having any movement that would cause the coloring. It lasted until 48 hours after having eaten.
I love beets and I know how good they are…I eat the red ones all the time, but this is a new side effect and I have to assume it is the golden beets?
Hmm. Never heard of that particular effect before Marie, but golden beets also contain the betanin that provides such great health benefits as well as the pigment in red beets. I would imagine that they could also affect your urine in similar ways. If you find out anything else, let us know! Thanks for reading!
Beets are awesome. I used to juice them regularly, but now I decide to add them to healthy smoothies instead. It is far more convenient and won’t break your juicer (happened to me). You can find some great ideas related to this here
Hey fellas,try juicing beets with watermelon for a viagra tonic.
It is insane!
Oh yea, roasted beets, carrots and radishes are excellent. That rare taste the radishes have, turn into a natural seasoning. Combined with olive oil and a bit of salt, roast slowly…oh so good.
I juice beets, celery, and carrots and gulp it all down.
it tastes pretty good not to sweet and not to bitter.
I make a juice with half a beet, 1 small apple and a very small slice of ginger. It tastes good and gives me the energy I need for the day. Its also very good for digestion.
I actually use a lot of minced beets and add em on my baked potatoes as a toping, they’re so good.
Hi – I’ve taken around 500 ml of Beet juice, my urine colors slightly in Beets color. So am i suffering from improper stomach acid supply? pls reply
Although every persons ability to process betacyanin is different, coloration of urine can be a symptom of low stomach acid. Consult your doctor or naturopath for specifics.
I had read that beets are good for your mental health, and being a wife of an over-the-road trucker and homeschooling mommy of two young kids, I definitely need a lift where I can get one naturally. I took 6 medium beets, washed and shredded them; shredded some ginger root, cut up a couple carrots; added fresh garlic, olive oil, apple cider vinegar and pepper. My aim was to have about half a cup serving of beet ‘medicine’ with every meal to see if it helps me with stress. I had my first serving on Sunday, and I can’t believe how good I feel today (Tuesday). I’m sleeping better, my resistance to stress is much greater, my mood is much happier and calmer. I am amazed! Beets will be a staple in my house, no matter what!!
Glad you’re feeling a lot better and happier from eating beets!
I love beets! When I make my morning breakfast juices, I always try to throw a beet or two in the juicer. There’s really nothing quite like it. They have a very distinct earthy taste, that’s for sure, but you learn to love it. Few things make me feel as energized!
Beets are so healthy! I shared this blog in my own post about beet soup at http://simplenaturalsolutions.com/beet-soup-recipe/
Thanks for sharing our post. Beets are definitely healthy!!
i realy love Beets i just used some to lover my Colosterol , Make a hole in the middle of beets squize the limon live to stand over night then drinkit in the morning for 5 days im trying this my self hope it works better then pills
Sorry my spelling
I just made a chocolate cake with beets in it and it was incredible.
xo
Natalie
http://dishesrunwaysandbriefcases.blogspot.com/2013/02/chocolate-beet-cake.html
I eat beats from a can with red wine vinegar! Delish!!!
Personnally, I love, love roasted beets with onions, balsamic vinegar and some honey. I roast between 9 and 12 beets a week, slice them and let them marinate is the balsamic vinegar and honey. I literally can’t eat enough of them. I have not tried any other recipes for the beets, but I am sure I will shortly. Along with the beets and drink a nice green smoothie everyday which has the greens along with True Vitality powder.
Sounds delish!
I bought beets last week strictly for the greens (tops) because, for health reasons, I need to greatly increase my greens consumption/variety. I’ve been making super-green smoothies (a LOT of kale, collards, parsley, acai berries, etc).
Well so here I am with several beets I had no idea what to do with – never liked them much. I had no idea that they, too, could go into the smoothies!
Thanks for this info – I didn’t know they were such a nutritional powerhouse, either!
You’re welcome! Beets are delicious roasted and easy to prepare that way. But smoothies are definitely a way to go too!
Does anyone know if there are any benefits from eating beets for someone with a under active thyroid?
I like to bake my beets rub in olive oil sprinkle with Tony’s Chacheres Seasoning
Never tried that, but beets sprinkled with Truffle Salt is incredible! – Gabe
I blended a piece of beet, half an apple, stalk of celery, half a lemon and a dash of cinnamon. Very delicious and sweet.
I blended a piece of beet, stalk of celery, Half an apple, half an entire lemon and a dash of cinnamon. Added water n had a delicious sweet smoothie/drink.
Hi
I just started beet smoothie from last week. I have to say I am one those weirdos who can’t open an eye without a coffee, but thanks to your info and all the commenters who convinced me and I can operate without coffee
I want to know how many times minimum I should rely on this. Is four times a week is good amount? Is Smoothie a replacement for breakfast or it can be made a part of breakfast?
My smoothie contains
Half a beet, one green apple, half a cucumber, 20 grapes, 10 fresh kale, 10 spinach leaves. Tastes pretty darn good. I had to modify smoothie to my liking since I am not too crazy about beet taste.
Please let me know if I can change or make it better.
Thanks for help.
I slice beets as thin as I can and, along with any other fresh veggie I have, spritz with olive oil and liberally use garlic powder, black pepper, sometimes turmeric and a dash of cayenne pepper. Roast on 400 for 45 min or until it gets crunchy (I prefer that texture; my husband prefers chewy). Either way YUM!
I love juicing raw beets with carrots, apples, oranges and celery. It is delicious!
Thanks for reading Elena. Sounds delicious!
I juiced beets 3 days in a row last week and still haven’t noticed any colors in my stool or urine. Is that normal??
Beet consumption and subsequent coloration of urine and stools is often associated with beeturia and can be a sign of low stomach acids. If no coloration occurs it may mean that your stomach acid (hydrochloric acid in particular) are fine. Many people that have strong discoloration associated with beets will see an improvement after maintaining a diet high in healthy dark greens like kales, chards, and other cruciferous vegetables eaten raw in smoothies or cooked in higher volumes. Naturally, everyone’s body processes food differently.
I grew up eating beets cooked in salad with cooked carrots and red onions. My mom’s favorite salad As an adult my BP has always been low. Last week was 93/51. As an adult I have not been using beets lately, but I am starting to use beets blended in a mix called the “athletes post work out” drink. I blend (Im not juicing) pineapple, orange, beets, cale, banana, and flax seeds. I drink super mix for breakfast!!!
I heard that 1/2 half beet and 1-2 apples can be a liver cleanse. Any truth to the statement?
This from Natural News… “beet juice can be highly beneficial, as it allows the betaine to stay intact. Betaine is the substance that encourages the liver cells to get rid of toxins. Additionally, betaine acts to defend the liver and bile ducts, which are important if the liver is to function properly. This particular substance is also said by some to decrease the risk of coronary and cerebral artery diseases, as it lowers inflammation in the body, allowing the many systems to work without interruption.” When juicing beets make sure to blend with other juices and use sporadically as beet juice is a powerful anti-carcinogen.
Thanks for the info. is this statement in your reply correct? – When juicing beets make sure to blend with other juices and use sporadically as beet juice is a powerful anti-carcinogen.-
One cannot juice or mix beets and drink daily? and you should mix them with other juices?
There are some side effects to drinking raw beet juice. Check out this page for more info. One to two cups of beet juice mixed one to one with other juices per day is enough to get benefits. Daily raw, pure beet juice consumption is not recommended, though more study is needed.
My son and I had a shake with beet leaves for the first time – as we finished we sang “We got the Beet!” together…
Yeah for Beets!!
Eric
Hurray for beets indeed. Glad you enjoyed it!
I love taking boiled eggs and putting them in a jar with pickled beets. Let the eggs sit in the juice for about 3-4 days, best pickled eggs ever. I eat the eggs and beets together for a quick lunch.
I put beets in my Vitamix (registered trademark) everyday and it is an amazing addition to my diet…we can’t get enough of it! My wife and I no longer have headaches, heartburn or constipation, thanks to beets and the other organics we put in our mixes. Highly recommended!
Wow, glad to hear beets have done their part.
Do you recommend any other root vegetables?
I love a mix of carrot juice, celery, beets, beet greens, apple juice and ginger. Excellent, but not too sweet.
what happens if you dont peel beets before eating. just asking, cause I did that & had verrry terrible headache all day afterwards. urine was very red also.
The peel is where many of the beets most powerful vitamins and minerals are concentrated. As with most vegetables, a quick wash, rinse and leave the peel on is best. That way you’re bound to get all of the nutritional benefit. Shouldn’t cause headaches, but yes, can cause urine discoloration. – Gabe