The deep purple of beets and the deep, rich red and green of beet greens mirrors the nutritional richness of these vegetables. You can eat beets raw, roasted or boiled; boil and serve the greens. You also can eat canned beets if fresh beets are not in season. Beets provide a variety of nutrients and vitamins you need to stay healthy.
Folate
Beets are high in folate. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, folate helps the body form red blood cells. Women who are pregnant should consume adequate amounts of folate, which can reduce risk of neural tube defects, spina bifida and anencephaly during fetal development.
Manganese
Manganese is a natural trace element found in beets that plays an important role in growth and good health, according to the Ohio Bureau of Environmental Health. People who live near coal- or oil-burning factories can be exposed to too much manganese, which can be harmful at very high levels.
Potassium
Beets are a source of potassium. According to the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, potassium is a mineral involved in electrical and cellular body functions, including building muscle, normal body growth and normal electrical activity of the hear. A lack of adequate potassium can lead to salt sensitivity and high blood pressure. You should consume 4.7 grams of potassium per day. According to the NIH, "many medications--such as diuretics, laxatives, and steroids--can cause a loss of potassium, which occasionally may be very severe."
Beta-Carotene
You can get beta-carotene from eating fresh or cooked beet greens. According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, beta-carotene is a form of Vitamin A found in colorful fruits and vegetables. The Office of Dietary Supplements notes that "some provitamin A carotenoids have been shown to function as antioxidants in laboratory studies," adding that this function has not been consistently demonstrated in humans. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, "antioxidants protect cells from free radicals, which are potentially damaging byproducts of oxygen metabolism that may contribute to the development of some chronic diseases."
Iron
Beet greens are also a source of iron, which is involved in oxygen transport and essential for regulating cell growth and differentiation, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. If you don't have enough iron, the delivery of oxygen to your cells can be limited, resulting in fatigue, poor work performance and decreased immunity. The Food and Drug Administration recommends getting 18 grams of iron per day.
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