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Beets
Beets belong to the botanical species Beta vulgaris, which also includes sugar beets, mangel-wurzels, foliage beets, and Swiss chard.
Fresh beets have nearly twice the folate and potassium than their canned counterparts, plus a distinctive flavor and a crisp texture. The green tops of beets-beet greens-are an excellent source of beta-carotene, calcium, and iron.
Beets also supply another heart-healthy compound, betacyanin, an antioxidant that can help keep LDL "bad" cholesterol from oxidizing.
Beeturia is red-colored urine caused by the pigment in beets.
Glycemic Index=64
Glycemic Load=5
Antioxidant Score (ORAC)=1,767
The Benefits
- Special diets: Autoimmune Paleo Diet, Elimination Diet, Gluten-Free Diet, Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free Diet, Grain-Free Diet, Low Acid Diet, Low Histamine Diet, Low Starch Diet, Paleo Diet (Light), Paleo Diet (Strict), Pescetarian Diet, Primal Diet, Vegetarian Diet, Whole Food
- Excellent Source of: Folate
- Good Source of: Manganese
- Preferences: No Corn, No Yeast, No Peanuts, No Molds, No Citrus, No Pseudograins, No Coconut, No Nightshade, No Fish, No Red Meat, No Pork, No Eggs, No Shellfish, No Gluten, No Nuts, No Seeds, No Soy, No Dairy, No Poultry, No Legumes, No Grains, Low Carbohydrate, Low Cholesterol, Low Fat, Low Sodium, Low Saturated Fat
Related Foods
Related Nutrients
Selecting and Storing
Look for smooth, hard, round beets with a deep red color. The surface should be unbruised and free of cuts, soft spots or shriveled skin. Place the unwashed roots in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator crisper for up to three weeks. Store the greens separately in use within a few days.
