Beets are a particularly excellent source of folate and potassium and a good source of manganese, fibre and vitamin C – nutrients that have been shown to help protect us against heart disease, birth defects and certain forms of cancer.

Anti-inflammatory, Healthy Aging and Liver Support:

The pigment that gives beets their gorgeous purple-red hue is also responsible for many of the vegetable’s health benefits.

Beets contain betaine, a natural compound that has been shown to reduce the growth of many types of cancer cells.  Betaine also acts to shield cells from aging by helping protect the liver from chemical damage and reducing inflammation in the body. Congestion throughout the body and a sluggish liver can contribute not only to fatigue and discomfort, but also to weight gain, especially in the abdominal region.  Abdominal fat, in turn, sets the stage for a cascade of inflammatory processes throughout the body which many health care practitioners now believe may be the root of disease.

There are also natural nitrates found in beets that function to improve blood flow to the brain. This mechanism assists in supporting cognitive function and reducing the risk of age-related dementia by enhancing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the brain.

Beet and Apple Cucumber Refresher

1 generous cup cooked and sliced beets, roasted or well rinsed from a can

1/2 cup cucumber, chopped

1 happy looking apple, peeled, cored and chopped

Juice of one lemon

Handful of parsley

1/4 cup water or to desired consistency

Notes:

The apple lends just the right amount of natural sweetness to this drink but, if you like, you can add a tsp or so of unpasteurized honey or agave to the mix;

If you choose to roast the beets, you can do so using this method.

Combine beets, cucumber, apple, lemon juice and parsley together in a blender.  Add water and blend – beginning with 1/4 cup and slowly adding more – until ingredients are smooth and desired consistency is achieved.