These culinary wonders are full of flavor, packed with vitamins and nutrients which is why we love featuring them in our menu. Not only that, they're the perfect vehicle for a variety of preparations. The benefits of adding beets to your diet is clear, but there's much more below the surface. Right ahead, we’re going to drop the beet on what makes this veggie a superfood.

#1 - The Anatomy of the Beet

Known as the beet, beetroot, or garden beet, this veggie is a biennial plant because it completes its life cycle in two growing seasons. In the first cycle, it produces the roots, stems, leaves, as well as the delicious taproot. The taproot can grow into a variety of shapes from globular to long and tapered. They’re known for their deep red shade, but come in a range of hues from white to yellow to a candy cane variety. In the second cycle, tall leafy stems arise to bear clusters of green flowers that develop into brown corky fruits called seedballs. These stems are also delicious and full of nutrients. The extraordinary beet is completely edible from end-to-end.

Not only that, beets have an impressive nutritional profile. They’re low in calories, but yield a high value in vitamins and minerals. Actually, they have a little bit of almost every vitamin and mineral your body needs. 

#2 - Beets Have History

Dating back to 2000 B.C. in the ancient Middle East, beets were domesticated but mostly for their greens. Other ancient civilizations including the Egyptians and the Greeks consumed them as well. However, it wasn't until the ancient Romans that they were eaten for their deep red (or other hues) taproot. Most interestingly, beets were considered an aphrodisiac in many cultures. Frescoes of beets can be found in brothels in Pompeii and Aphrodite, the goddess of love, ate beets to enhance her appeal. By the middle ages, they were used to treat a number of conditions relating to digestion, blood, headaches, and pain disorders. The Elizabethans enjoyed them in tarts and stews. Medieval cooks stuffed them into pies. Let’s just say throughout history, their flavor can’t be beet!

#3 - Keep Heart Health on Beet

Beets have been well studied for their ability to decrease elevated blood pressure levels, which is known to be a major risk factor for heart disease. In a particular study in 2015, 68 people with high blood pressure were examined for the effects of drinking 250ml of beet juice everyday. The researchers found it significantly lowered their blood pressure due to the high levels of nitrate. This incredible veggie helps your heart stay on beet.

#4 - Beets and Digestion

Beets are great for you because they are full of fiber, which is essential to smooth digestion and gut health. Not only that, the high fiber content helps with satiety and regularity, which is helpful for those who are looking to maintain their weight and wellness. 

#5 - Beet Inflammation

That rich pigment found in the taproot contains betalains, a phytonutrient that contains a number of anti-inflammatory properties. Those who experience chronic inflammation can experience damage to healthy tissue, resulting in an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. Consuming raw beet juice was found to be most effective in combating inflammation.

#6 - The Beets That Couldn’t Be Beat

In 2019, the heaviest beetroot in the world was verified and grown in the United Kingdom by four individuals. It weighed in at 52 lb 14 oz. In 2020, Joe Atherton, also from the United Kingdom, grew the longest beetroot that was measured at 28 ft long. He also holds records for the longest carrot, radish, parsnip, and turnip. 

#7 - Beets and Detoxification

The same belatin compound that gives beets their distinct red color also helps capture troublesome toxins found in the body. It supports the detoxification process by flushing toxins out of your system through the urinary tract. Because they are so helpful with detoxing, beets have been known to help with hangovers—FYI.

#8 - Beet Your Best Workout

It’s clear that beets are a great addition to a balanced diet. Because they are low in fat and calories but high in water content, they can help balance your energy intake. Many root vegetables have been linked to effective weight loss. Not only that, a 2019 study reported by the National Library of Medicine found that experienced cyclists improved their time trial results after consuming high doses of beetroot juice. The supplementation of beets may improve the amount of oxygen your muscles absorb during exercise—so you can beet at your best.

#9 - Beets are to Dye For

Not only are they delicious and nutritious, beets are an excellent natural dye. That’s right, you can simply boil beet scraps (while helping reduce food waste) and simmer fabrics in the liquid. You can create beautiful tees, towles, or totes. The possibilities are endless!

#10 - Un-beet-able Versatility

As you may already know, beets can be prepared in a variety of ways. Here’s a rundown of some of our favorites.

• Boiled beets: An easy and classic preparation, perfect for salads or snacks. Some recommend adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice in the cooking liquid to help keep its color.
• Steamed beets: Using this method helps to preserve nutrients because they’re not lost in the cooking water.
• Roasted beets: Cooked in the oven at a high temperature helps create an intense, sweet flavor that everyone will love.
• Pickled beets: The pickling process is easier than you think! Simply slice your beets. Then, add salt, seasoning, sweetener (e.g. maple syrup), vinegar, and a few other touches to get a tart and tangy addition to your meal.

Beet burgers: Didn’t see this one coming, did you? Our Un-Beet-Able Burger is a nutritious, craveable and easy-to-make veggie burger that uses whole plants instead of highly processed meat alternatives. The flavor seriously cannot be beet!