Beets are amazing vegetables, and there are so many things to know about them. Read on to discover 12 fun facts about this interesting food.
Beets actually date back to prehistoric times, when they grew along the coastlines of North Africa, Asia, and Europe.
- The red part of the vegetable, the root, was not eaten back in ancient times. The greens on top were the sole part of the beet consumed.
- The whole beet is nutritious: the root and the greens.
- Beets are part of the caryophyllales family, which also includes spinach and kale.
- Beet greens are high in vitamin C.
- Drinking beet juice can help lower your cholesterol.
- Beets are filled with vitamins, antioxidants, folate, iron, and fiber. They also contain potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus
- Beets come in an array of colors: red, yellow, white, and striped. However, red beets are the most nutritious.
- Beet juice can be used as a dye for clothing and coloring eggs.
- The ancient Romans used beets as an aphrodisiac. This may make sense, because beets contain boron, which has been directly linked to sex hormones.
- Beets help to cleanse the body of toxins, and are even linked to potentially preventing various forms of cancer.
Beets are a wonderful, nutritious, and delicious vegetable. If they’re not a regular part of your meals yet, they certainly should be!
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://vegetarian.lovetoknow.com/Facts_About_Beets
http://www.fullcircle.com/goodfoodlife/2012/05/10/6-health-benefits-of-eating-beets
http://www.lifescript.com/food/articles/b/beets_facts.aspx?
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