Beets are a healthy and delicious addition to any diet, and with only 72 calories per cup of slices, they're a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals without sabotaging your diet. Whether you're looking to improve your overall health or are seeking specific health benefits, beets can be an excellent choice.
In addition to being low in calories, beets are also a good source of dietary fiber, providing 3 grams per cup. Fiber is an essential nutrient that helps promote digestive health and can also help you feel fuller for longer periods of time, which can aid in weight loss efforts.
Let's take a closer look at the many benefits of incorporating low-sodium, fat-added beets into your diet.
Low in Calories
As previously mentioned, one cup of sliced beets contains only 72 calories, making them a great choice for those who are trying to lose weight or control their calorie intake. Beets are a great way to add bulk and flavor to your meals without adding unnecessary calories, so they're a great choice for anyone who wants to eat healthy and delicious food.
Source of Dietary Fiber
In addition to being low in calories, beets are also a good source of dietary fiber, with one cup providing 3 grams of fiber. Fiber is essential for good digestive health, and it can also play a role in weight management. By adding fiber to your diet, you may be able to feel fuller for longer periods of time, which can help you stick to your weight loss goals.
Rich in Essential Nutrients
Beets are also a good source of essential nutrients, including vitamin C, folate, and potassium. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, while folate is important for healthy cell growth and development. Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, among other things.
May Lower Blood Pressure
Beets may also have the potential to lower blood pressure levels, thanks to their high concentration of nitrates. Nitrates are converted into nitric oxide in the body, which helps relax and widen blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow and lower blood pressure. Some studies have shown that drinking beet juice regularly may be a natural way to help manage hypertension.
Some research suggests that beets may also be beneficial for athletes and those who engage in regular exercise. The nitrates in beets may help improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to working muscles, which could potentially enhance exercise performance and reduce fatigue. Additionally, some studies have shown that drinking beet juice before exercise may help increase endurance and delay fatigue during high-intensity workouts.
Versatile Ingredient
Beets are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups to roasted veggie bowls. Their sweet and earthy flavor pairs well with a range of other ingredients, and they can add both color and nutrients to your meals. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, beets are a great ingredient to experiment with.
Convenient Canned Option
While fresh beets are delicious, they can be a bit of a hassle to prepare, especially when you're short on time. Fortunately, canned beets are a convenient option that you can keep on hand for easy meal prep. Look for low-sodium canned beets that have been cooked in water rather than oil, to keep their nutritional value high.
Low in Fat
Despite the fact that fat is added to canned beets during the cooking process, they're still quite low in fat overall, with only 0.2 grams of fat per cup. This makes them a good choice for those who are watching their fat intake, and it also means that they won't add a lot of extra calories to your meals.
Low in Sodium
One of the benefits of using canned beets is that they're typically low in sodium, with only 65 milligrams per cup. This makes them a good choice for anyone who needs to watch their sodium intake, such as those with high blood pressure or kidney disease. Just be sure to choose low-sodium canned beets, as some varieties can be quite high in salt.
May Aid in Digestion
Finally, beets may also have some benefits for digestive health. Their high fiber content helps promote regular bowel movements and can prevent constipation, and they also contain compounds that may help support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This can help improve overall digestive function and may also improve your immune system.
Beets are a nutrient-dense food that can be a great addition to any healthy diet.
5 FAQs About Low Sodium Beets with Added Fat (Canned)
1. Are canned beets as good for you as fresh beets?
Canned beets are not as nutritious as fresh beets. The canning process can strip some of the nutrients from the beets, including some of the fiber and vitamin C.
2. Why are these beets low in sodium?
The canning process typically adds salt to vegetables, but low sodium varieties are available for people on low-sodium diets or who are watching their salt intake.
3. What is the added fat in these beets?
The added fat in these canned beets may come from a variety of sources, including butter, oil, or lard.
4. How can I use canned beets in my cooking?
Canned beets can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen, from adding them to salads to using them in soups and stews. They can also be mashed and used as a side dish.
5. How do canned beets compare to other vegetables in terms of calories?
Canned beets are relatively low in calories compared to other vegetables. One cup of sliced, canned beets with added fat contains just 72 calories.