Beets For Life

About two years ago, I encountered beetroot—a root vegetable also known as red beet,

table beet, garden beet, or just beet. In Canada and the United States, this root vegetable is generally known simply as beets. The British, however, pretty the much formal name:

beetroot. However you call it—beets, table beets, garden beets, red beets, dinner beets or

golden beets—the taste is the same, and so are its benefits.

So, once I discovered beetroot, savored its taste, and realized its benefits, I started eating

and juicing it regularly, for both its taste and medicinal advantages. However, whenever I

did this, I threw away the leaves and stalks. How ignorant I was!

One day, long after my relationship with the rooty part of this plant, I thought to myself: why throw away the leaves and stalks? They might be just as nutritious and beneficial as the root itself. So, I quickly did a search and found out that beetroot is one of those plants whose individual parts offer great benefit to humankind. I then browsed Pinterest for beetroot recipes and, wow, I was amazed to find so many. I found it could be served as/in smoothies, soups, salads, juices, and powdered seasoning. Beetroot, from this experience, has become for me one of my go-to favorites.

According to Healthline, an authoritative online health and wellness magazine, beetroot is packed with essential nutrients, and it is a great source of fiber, vitamins and minerals—such as folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. Beets consists of water (87%), carbs (8%), and fiber (2–3%) and it can lower blood pressure, the upside of which is reduced risk of heart disease and other ailments. This root veggie can also improve oxygen use, stamina, and exercise performance.

Healthline concludes, “Beets is healthy no matter how you prepare it. However, juicing beets is a superior way to enjoy it because cooking beets reduces its nutritional value.

Here is one of my recipes for beets juice:

1 bunch of beetroots

3 red apples

3 Lemons

Add to the juicer, serve with some ice cubes and enjoy!

Another great way to enjoy beetroot is as Smoothie. You can have it with chopped Cantaloupe for Breakfast. Here’s a health-giving beetroot-cantaloupe recipe:

1 frozen Beetroot

1 cup Greek Yogurt

Chia seeds

1 cube frozen banana, and

1/2 cup almond milk

Add all above in a Blender and enjoy

Chopped cantaloupe - aside

To get to the root of the matter, beetroot leaves are one of the healthiest leaves. They contain low fat, low calorie, and very little cholesterol. Beetroot leaves and stalks are full of nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, fiber, and nitrates. They contain iron and are proven to reduce many health issues. Beet’s red stalks and leaves can be used as sauce, with white rice or pasta. Below is a recipe for you:

1 bunch chopped beetroot leaves and stalks

3 large-size tomatoes

3 chopped ( yellow and red) bell peppers

1 Onion and 3 Cloves of Garlic

(Stir fry with olive oil for 10 -15 minutes and add seasoning to tastejoy!

So, fam, here you have it: beets for life! Add some color and variety to your meals, and experience beetroots’ rich nutrients.

Have a wonderful day!