100 G Cooked Beets (from Canned, Fat Not Added in Cooking) contains only 31 calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a low calorie vegetable option. Not only are cooked beets low in calories, but they are also nutrient-dense, making them an incredibly healthy vegetable option for any meal of the day.

Cooked beets contain essential vitamins and minerals like folate, vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. Additionally, they are high in fiber, which is essential for maintaining healthy digestion.

In this article, we'll explore the many benefits of cooked beets and provide tips on how to include them in your diet, along with discussing the differences between cooked and raw beets and potential side effects of consuming them in excess.

Calories in Cooked Beets

As mentioned earlier, 100 G Cooked Beets (from Canned, Fat Not Added in Cooking) contains only 31 calories. This makes them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight. While low in calories, cooked beets are also high in fiber, which helps to promote feelings of fullness and satiety, making them an excellent addition to any meal for those looking to manage their appetite.

Benefits of Eating Cooked Beets

Cooked beets are a nutrient-dense vegetable and are an excellent source of many essential vitamins and minerals like folate, vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. In addition to being nutrient-dense, cooked beets also offer many unique health benefits. Research suggests that regularly consuming beets may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, support healthy digestion, and even promote healthy brain function. Additionally, beets are a natural detoxifier, thanks to their high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

How to Include Cooked Beets in Your Diet

Cooked beets are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated in many different ways into your daily meal plans. Some simple and tasty ways to enjoy cooked beets include adding them to salads, smoothies, or sandwiches, or simply roasting them along with other root vegetables for a satisfying and healthy side dish. For a unique twist, consider trying grated beets in your favorite baked good recipe (beet cake anyone?). Experiment with different ways of incorporating beets into your diet to find the preparation method that best suits your tastes.

Cooked Beets vs Raw Beets: Which is Healthier?

While both cooked and raw beets offer many unique health benefits, cooked beets are easier for your body to digest and absorb nutrients from. Additionally, cooking beets helps to break down their tough fibers, making them more palatable and easier to chew. However, cooking beets can also destroy some of their valuable nutrients, such as vitamin C. For this reason, it's important to eat a balanced diet that includes both cooked and raw beets to reap the full nutritional benefits of this nutritious vegetable.

Cooked Beets for Weight Loss

Cooked beets are an excellent choice for those looking to lose weight, thanks to their low calorie and high fiber content. By helping to promote feelings of fullness and satiety, incorporating cooked beets into your diet can help to reduce overall calorie consumption and promote long-term weight loss. Additionally, beets are low in fat and high in water content, making them an excellent choice for those looking to minimize their overall calorie intake.

Cooked Beets for Heart Health

Research suggests that regularly consuming beets may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, thanks to their high levels of nitrate. Nitrate is converted into nitric oxide in the body, which helps to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow, reducing the risk of hypertension and other heart-related conditions. Additionally, beets are high in fiber, which helps to reduce cholesterol levels and promote healthy circulation.

Cooked Beets for Digestion

Cooked beets are an excellent source of fiber, which plays a critical role in maintaining healthy digestion. Fiber helps to keep the digestive system running smoothly, acting as a natural laxative and promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Additionally, beets are high in betaine, a compound that helps to promote liver function and bile production, which aids in digestion and the breakdown of fats.

Cooked Beets for Brain Health

Research suggests that regularly consuming beets may help to promote healthy brain function, thanks to their high levels of nitrates. Nitrate is converted into nitric oxide in the body, which helps to improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, promoting healthy brain function. Additionally, beets are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which help to protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to cognitive decline over time.

Cooked Beets for Detoxification

Beets are a natural detoxifier, thanks to their high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These compounds help to protect the liver from damage and promote the elimination of toxins from the body. Additionally, beets are high in betaine, a compound that helps to promote healthy liver function and the breakdown of fats, helping the body to eliminate toxins more effectively.

Potential Side Effects of Eating Cooked Beets

While cooked beets are an incredibly healthy vegetable choice, consuming them in excess can lead to some potential side effects. This is especially true for those with kidney issues, as beets are high in oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stone formation. Additionally, consuming beets in excess can lead to temporary discoloration of urine and feces, which is a harmless but potentially alarming side effect.