If you're looking for a nutritious addition to your diet, look no further than 1 Medium Beet, Raw, which contains just 50 calories. Beetroot is a rich source of Vitamins and Minerals that can help boost your overall health.

This vibrant root vegetable is an excellent source of folate, manganese, potassium, and vitamin C. It also contains antioxidants like betaine and anthocyanins, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and decrease the risk of chronic disease.

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of adding medium beets to your diet, how to choose and store them, and different ways to cook and prepare them.

Health Benefits of Medium Beets, Raw

Beetroot is packed with essential Vitamins and Minerals that your body needs to function properly. One medium beet contains 37% of your daily recommended intake of folate, which is essential for healthy cell growth and development. It's also a good source of manganese, which helps support healthy bones, and potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure. In addition, beetroot contains nitrates, which can help improve blood flow and boost athletic performance. Lastly, beetroot is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against oxidative stress and lower inflammation in the body, both of which are linked to chronic disease.

Vitamins and Minerals in Medium Beets, Raw

One medium beet contains a variety of Vitamins and Minerals, including folate, manganese, potassium, and vitamin C. Folate is essential for healthy cell growth and development, while manganese helps support healthy bones. Potassium is important for regulating blood pressure, and vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help boost your immune system. In addition, Beetroot contains nitrates, which can improve blood flow and athletic performance.

How to Incorporate Medium Beets, Raw into Your Diet

There are many ways to incorporate medium beets into your diet. You can roast them with other root vegetables, grate them into salads, or puree them into a soup. Beetroot is also a great addition to smoothies, as it adds a natural sweetness and vibrant color. Or, try pickled beets for a tangy and flavorful addition to sandwiches or burgers. However, be aware that beetroot can stain clothing and surfaces, so handle it carefully and consider wearing gloves.

Calorie Count in Medium Beets, Raw

One medium beet contains approximately 50 calories. While this may vary depending on the size of the beet, it's a low-calorie and nutrient-dense food that can be a healthy addition to any diet.

Nutrition Profile of Medium Beets, Raw

One medium beet contains approximately 50 calories and is a rich source of essential Vitamins and Minerals. It's an excellent source of folate, containing 37% of your recommended daily intake. It's also a good source of manganese, potassium, and vitamin C. Lastly, Beetroot contains antioxidants like betaine and anthocyanins, which can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Potential Health Risks of Eating Too Many Beets

While beets are generally safe to eat, consuming large amounts can lead to some potential Health Risks. Eating too many beets can cause your urine and stool to turn red or pink, which can be alarming but is harmless. It can also increase your risk of kidney stones if you have a history of kidney problems. Lastly, Beetroot is high in oxalates, which can interfere with calcium absorption and contribute to the formation of kidney stones.

Storage Tips for Medium Beets, Raw

To keep your beets fresh, store them in a cool, dark place like a root cellar or the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator. Beets can last up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in a root cellar. However, be aware that storing beets near fruits like apples or pears can cause them to ripen faster and go bad more quickly.

How to Choose the Best Beets at the Grocery Store

When selecting beets, look for ones that are firm and have smooth skin with no cracks or blemishes. The greens at the top of the beet should be fresh and vibrant. If you are buying pre-packaged beets, check the sell-by-date to ensure freshness. Additionally, smaller beets tend to be sweeter than larger ones.

Different Ways to Cook and Prepare Medium Beets, Raw

There are many ways to cook and prepare medium beets, depending on your preference. You can roast them with other root vegetables, boil or steam them, or grate them into salads. Try adding roasted Beetroot to hummus for a colorful and flavorful dip, or blending it into a smoothie for a nutrient-packed drink. Be aware that beetroot can stain clothing and surfaces, so handle it carefully and consider wearing gloves.

Comparing the Nutritional Value of Cooked vs Raw Beets

Both cooked and raw beets offer Health Benefits and can be a great addition to your diet. Cooking beets can increase their natural sweetness and make them easier to digest, though it can also decrease some of the nutrients. Raw beets, on the other hand, contain more nitrates and may offer greater athletic performance benefits. Ultimately, it's up to personal preference and dietary needs whether you choose to eat cooked or raw beets.