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Impressive Health Benefits of Beets

Aparna Jadhav
Beetroot leaves are as delicious and healthy as the beetroot itself! Read on to know more...
Beta vulgaris or the beetroot is a very commonly consumed vegetable, cultivated in a number of varieties. The root of this plant that is purple in color and circular in shape is known to be the most nutritious of the entire plant. However, one particular variety of beet cultivated, is the leafy vegetable where the leaves are edible too.
It is known as chard or spinach beet. The leaves as well as the root of this vegetable are consumed by many and included in various recipes. These beetroot leaves are extremely healthy and rich in a number of minerals. The leaves are either prepared like spinach or they are tossed in salads with dressings.
They are also sun dried and used as herbs for various recipes to add not only the flavor, but also the nutrients available in them. So, if you are wondering how can you eat these leaves, read the given information.

Nutritional Benefits

The leaves are also known as beet greens, and they look very similar to spinach leaves, but with a red central vein. As we all know, beetroot nutrition includes traces of very high fiber and folate. Beets also contain manganese, potassium, betacyanins antioxidants that give the purple color and vitamin C.
These nutrients are present in the root which is the most commonly consumed part of this plant.
The leaves are rich in the beta carotene antioxidant, minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium, copper, calcium and vitamins A, B6, E, and C. Other nutrients present in beet greens are proteins, carbohydrates, zinc and pantothenic acid which are used during metabolism and for regulating blood pressure. So, beetroot leaves are as nutritious as the roots.

Essential Health Benefits

Since these leaves are well-sourced to provide nutrition to the body, there are various health benefits that are seen. The fiber present in the roots and leaves help in reducing the cholesterol and triglycerides (which increase risks to heart) by increasing the amount of HDL and thus, prevent cardiovascular diseases.
The betaines present in the beetroot leaf juice, are considered to be very good for the liver, as they stimulate the functioning of the organ. The vitamin C protects the respiratory system from asthma and the beta carotene prevents lung cancer.
Leaves are an excellent source of iron which is the major component in the production of hemoglobin and thus, prevents the body from anemia or shortage of blood. The vitamin A corrects age related blindness and risks of cataract are minimized.
Beetroot benefits also include the presence of proteins and carbohydrates that provide muscle building and thus supply energy, keeping the body active as well as free from diseases. However, it contain traces of oxalates which have the ability to crystallize body fluids and thus, people suffering from kidney or gallbladder diseases should not consume them.

Delicious Recipes

There are many ways in which one can consume these healthy and delicious leaves. Like spinach, these leaves are also made edible by boiling with salt and then adding to salads or other food recipes.
Since this is the first step to all beetroot leaf preparations, you can do this and refrigerate the leaves for later. Adding toasted pine nuts, feta cheese, salt and pepper, spinach leaves and boiled beetroot to the salad bowl with pre-boiled leaves can make a tasty salad!
These leaves can also be pureed to make soups and sauces as they give a rich pink color to the dish.
With this useful information about the leaves, hope you have learned more about this nutritious and tasty leafy vegetable. So, give your family a healthy and delicious dinner today!