What is the nutritional value of beets?
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Julie Daniluk answered:Five reasons to add more beets in your diet:
Beets literally push out toxins: Beets contain a group of phytonutrients called betalains that support detoxification through an important Phase 2 detox step in the liver. (1) When your liver is able to detoxify chemicals and toxins more effectively, then your body is better able to balance hormones, cholesterol and energy levels.
Beets are a fantastic choice for pregnancy: Beets provide 35 percent of your daily needs of the B vitamin folate, which can prevent birth defects. While you are at it, enjoy the entire plant. The iron in the beet greens ensures good blood building for the baby and more energy for Mom. (2)
Beets have anti-inflammatory properties: Nutritional researcher, Monica Reinagel, the creator of the IF (Inflammation Factor) Rating system (3) has found beet greens to be strongly anti-inflammatory and gives them a rating of 274. In comparison, almonds have a rating of 56 and a carrot 60 so you can see how powerfully anti-inflammatory beet greens are.
Beets are a good source of calcium and vitamin K: The green tops of beets contain vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitamin K that help to prevent bone loss. (4)
Beets contain the highest plant source of betaine: They contain an amazing 127 mg in every 100 gram serving. A study by Greek researchers shows that betaine lowers C-reactive protein levels, a marker of heart disease and chronic inflammation. (5)
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- http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/s15327914nc5301_11
- http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/cgi-bin/list_nut_edit.pl
- http://inflammationfactor.com/2010/05/if-rating-system-accurately-predicts-inflammatory-response-to-meals/
- http://www.springerlink.com/content/6845eddpvmygd7hr/?MUD=MP
- http://www.ajcn.org/content/87/2/424.full
Five reasons to add more beets in your diet: Beets literally push out toxins: Beets contain a group of phytonutrients called betalains that support detoxification through an important Phase 2 detox step in the liver. (1) When your liver is able to... More -
Dr. Michael T Murray answered: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, fiber, manganese, and potassium. Beet greens and roots are a good source of magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamin B6.
A 31/2-oz (100 g) serving of beet greens contains 27 calories and 3.0 g of fiber, while the same serving of cooked beetroot provides 44 calories with 10.0 g of carbohydrate, primarily as 8 g of sugars.
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, fiber, manganese, and potassium. Beet greens and roots are a good source of... More
