Eat the Seasons this October! New Article from Fitness Elements Express Discover Beets at their Best

Discover Beets at their Best



Health and Nutritional Benefits of Beets


Nutritional Highlights of Beets


Beet greens are higher in nutritional value than beetroots, as they are richer in calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C. Beetroots are an excellent source of folic acid and a very good source of fiber, manganese, and potassium. Beet greens and roots are a good source of magnesium phosphorus, iron, and vitamin B6.


Did you know 3 1/2 –ounce (100 gram) serving of beet greens alone contain 27 calories and 3.0 grams of fiber, while the same serving of cooked beetroot provides 44 calories with 10.0 grams of carbohydrate, primarily, as 8 grams of sugars. Knowing these facts alone can be par tof your total fiber intake a day assuming you like Beets. Let’s hope you do!


Health Benefits of Beets


Beetroots have long been used for medicinal purposes, primarily for disorders of the liver, given their stimulating effects on the liver’s detoxification processes. Beets have also gained recognition for their reported anticancer properties. The pigment that gives beets their rich, purple-crimson color, betacyanin, is a powerful cancer-fighting agent. Beet fiber has been shown to have a favorable effect on bowel function and cholesterol levels, too.


The combination of its betacyanin and fiber content is probably responsible for the protective role of beets against colon cancer. In animal studies, beet fiber has been shown to increase the level of the antioxidant enzymes,specifically glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase, as well as increase the number of special white blood cells responsible for detecting and eliminating abnormal cells. In a study of patients with stomach cancer, beet juice was found to be a potent inhibitor of the formation of nitrosamines (cancer-causing compounds derived primarily from the ingestion of nitrates from smoked or cured meats) as well as the cell mutations caused by these compounds. These are the Nutritional Highlights and Health Benefits of Beets. Be on the lookout for article 2 how to select and store, tips for preparing, and Quick serving ideas. Have a healthy and happy day!


Source: Michael Murray N.D., and Joseph Pizzorno N.D.


By, Natalie Pyles


NSA Speaker, Whole Health and Fitness Expert, Holistic Nutritionist, Sports Nutritionist, and Medical Exercise and Post Rehabilitation Specialist