If you're like me, you try to pay attention to the types of foods you eat (or should eat) and how they affect your health. I considered beets and found that eating fresh red or purple beets is a simple way to bolster your overall health. From cholesterol to cancer – and more, beets can help keep you well.
Nutritional benefits
Beets are high in fiber and low in cholesterol. They are also rich sources of antioxidants and phytonutrients. At the forefront of this nutritional powerhouse are folate, manganese, potassium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin C. In addition, beets contain two important compounds: betaine and betacyanin (the compound that gives beets their deep red color).
Protecting your heart
Studies have shown that diets rich in beets have helped reduce total cholesterol levels by as much as 30 percent while increasing HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Research has also shown that the betaine …