Beets

Beets, one of te most nutritious root vegetables, are loaded with vitamins and minerals and they also contain nitrates and pigments, both of which have a number of health benefits
Beets are also a good source of fiber - one cup of beets contains 3.4 grams of fiber

Dont throw the greens away! Beet greens are the most nutrient-rich part of the plant and provide amazing health benefits:
- They are an excellent source of iron and magnesium - 1 cup of greens contains 15% of the daily recommended amount of iron and 25% of magnesium
- They are also a good source of fiber and protein as well as vitamins A, B2, C and K and an excellent source of minterals including copper, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and calcium and they are a rich source of phytonutrients
Steaming beets is the best way of retaining their beneficial phytonutrients
- fill the bottom of the steamer with 2 inches of water and bring to a rapid boil. Add beets, cover, and steam for 15 minutes. Beets are cooked when you can easily insert a fork or the tip or knife into the beet - peel the beets with either a paper towel or use gloves so as not to stain hands
When buying beets it is best to buy them still attached to the greens since without fresh greens there is no way to tell the shelf life of cut beets - it could be longer than one would imagine
Use beet greens in addition to or as a substitute for spinach or chard in soups, stews or sautes