When it comes to healthy eating, beets are a superfood that shouldn't be overlooked. One cup of slices cooked beets (fat not added in cooking) contains 75 calories. But, the nutritional value of beets is impressive, making them a great addition to any diet.

In addition to being low in calories, beets are also high in fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients. They also contain nitrates, which may have benefits for blood pressure and athletic performance.

In this article, we'll explore the health benefits of cooked beets, how to cook them, nutritional information, different recipes, storage tips, varieties, history, and interesting facts about beets.

Health Benefits of Cooked Beets

Cooked beets contain a variety of health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, improving athletic performance, and aiding digestion. The nitrates found in beets can help to dilate blood vessels, which can lead to lower blood pressure. Additionally, these same nitrates can improve athletic performance by improving oxygen delivery to muscles during exercise. Beets are also high in fiber, which can aid digestion and promote bowel regularity. The high fiber content in beets also helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied after a meal, making them a great addition to any weight loss plan or healthy diet. Finally, beets are also rich in vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin C, and folate, among others. These essential nutrients can help to support overall health, including immune function, heart health, and more.

How to Cook Beets

Cooking beets is relatively easy and can be done in a variety of ways. One popular method is to roast them in the oven. To do this, simply wash and trim the beets, wrap them in aluminum foil, and bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour, or until tender. Alternatively, you can boil beets on the stovetop. First, wash and trim the beets, and then place them in a pot of boiling water. Cook for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork. Finally, beets can also be grilled or sautéed for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Nutritional Information of Cooked Beets

A one-cup serving of sliced cooked beets (fat not added in cooking) contains: - 75 calories - 2.8 grams of fiber - 325 milligrams of potassium - 6% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C - 15% of the recommended daily value of folate

Cooked Beets in Different Recipes

Cooked beets can be used in a variety of recipes to add flavor, color, and nutrition. One popular recipe is beet salad, which combines cooked beets with other healthy ingredients like kale, goat cheese, and walnuts for a delicious and nutritious meal. Additionally, beets can be roasted or grilled and paired with other vegetables for a healthy and flavorful side dish, or sliced and added to sandwiches, wraps, and more.

Storage Tips for Cooked Beets

After cooking beets, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to five days. Beets can also be frozen for longer storage. If you plan on using beets in a salad or other cold dish, allow them to cool completely before storing in the refrigerator. When reheating beets, it's best to use the microwave or oven rather than the stovetop, as this can help to prevent them from drying out.

Varieties of Beets

While most people are familiar with the red beet variety, there are actually several different types of beets available. Golden beets, for example, have a sweeter and milder flavor than red beets and are a great addition to salads and other dishes. Chioggia beets, on the other hand, have a unique and eye-catching candy-striped appearance and a sweet and earthy flavor. Other varieties of beets include white beets, which have a milder and less earthy flavor than other types, and the cylindrical beet, which is a long and narrow beet that's perfect for roasting or grilling.

Beetroot Juice and Its Benefits

In addition to cooked beets, beetroot juice is also a popular and healthy choice. Beetroot juice is high in nitrates, which can help to lower blood pressure, improve athletic performance, and more. Additionally, beetroot juice is also high in antioxidants, which can help to protect against inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. While beetroot juice is generally safe for most people, it's important to note that it may turn urine and stools pink, which is harmless but can be surprising or alarming.

The History of Beets

Beets have a long and interesting history, dating back thousands of years. Originally grown for their leaves, beets were first cultivated for their roots in ancient Greece and Rome. Since then, beets have been used for food, medicine, and even as a source of natural dye. During the 19th century, beets became a popular source of sugar in Europe and are still used for this purpose today.

Beets in Art and Culture

Beets have also played a role in art, literature, and even popular culture. In literature, beets have been mentioned in works by authors like Thomas Hardy and Roald Dahl. Additionally, beets have been used to create natural dye for fabrics for centuries. In popular culture, beets are perhaps best known for their role in the hit television show 'The Office,' in which the character Dwight Schrute grows beets on his family's farm.

Interesting Facts About Beets

Finally, here are some fun and interesting facts about beets: - Beets were used by the ancient Greeks and Romans as an aphrodisiac - Beets contain a pigment called betalain that can cause your urine and stools to turn pink