super food
Beet Greens By Alexis Weilbaecher, RD
W
hen you cook beets, do you usually cut off the greens on the end? Although you may know about all the health benefits of dark leafy greens such as kale and spinach, did you know that beet greens are also considered a superfood? Beet greens, which resemble Swiss chard, are packed with essential nutrients that support your body’s immune system and help strengthen your bones. An excellent source of potassium, which is vital to your heart and digestive tract, beet greens also contain magnesium to maintain normal nerve and muscle functions. Beet greens, combined with other dark green leafy vegetables also lower your risk for chronic diseases. They can help prevent type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and strokes. An excellent source of fiber and fat soluble vitamins A & K, just 1 cup of cooked beet greens provides 220 percent of vitamin A and 870 percent of vitamin K.That’s a lot of benefits in one cup of greens! Beet greens are also a major dietary source of the carotenoids, lutein and beta-carotene which play an important role in eye health, including the health of the retina.
Incorporate beet greens into your daily meal plan with these tips:
Instead of making a salad with romaine lettuce, substitute it with half spinach and half beet greens. This not only increases the fiber, it also adds tons of beneficial nutrients.
Chop up and add beet greens to your omelet along with other vegetables.
beet greens Add chopped beet greens or other dark green leafy vegetables to any soup. Just make sure you add them towards the end of cooking so the heat won’t destroy the valuable nutrients.
For children or picky eaters, use a spaghetti sauces or chili to “hide” your beet greens.
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