This blog is written by one of our newest GLIM interns, Kris Holmen - meet Kris and learn more about the power of beets!
Hi! My name is Kris, and I am a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame. I am majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior (B.S.) with a minor in Compassionate Care in Medicine. I am a cadet in Air Force ROTC and plan on attending medical school to become a doctor in the Air Force. Outside of Class, you will often find me running, working out at OrangeTheory Fitness, spending time with friends, and cooking. I am excited to work with GLIM to learn more about integrative medicine and how to treat patients holistically.
MEET THE BEET
I bet your mother told you to eat your greens, but did she teach you to eat your reds too? While most people regularly enjoy green beans, broccoli, or leafy green salads with their meals, the most commonly eaten RED vegetable in America is the tomato, and that isn’t even technically a vegetable! It's a fruit, but more on that another time!
My favorite red vegetable is the beet, and I hope it becomes yours too. Why should you add blood red beets to your vegetable rotation? Besides the fact that they taste great and are very versatile, beets are great for you. Their bright red color comes from nutrients called betalains, which aren’t found in your typical green vegetables and have been shown to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification support. The best way to ensure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs is to eat the RAINBOW. Follow along on my blog posts and I’ll share my favorite vegetables of the rainbow.
Beets are a great source of B-vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C, which together protect your cells from damage, and offer anti-inflammatory properties to keep you healthy, by targeting your brain, HEART, and joints. Who doesn’t want their brain, heart, and joints to function better? Last but not least, beets are an excellent source of fiber. Not only does fiber help you stay regular, which is important to maintain a healthy digestive tract, but fiber also helps stabilize blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol.
DID I convince you to try beets, but now you’re overwhelmed with the thought of searching through recipes and figuring out how to prepare them? The simplest way is to roast them. Set your oven to 400 F. Scrub, peel, and dice your beets and spread them evenly on a sheet pan. Take care to wear an apron or you run the risk of decorating your favorite top with pink polka dots! Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast them in the oven until tender. Approximately 20-30 minutes. ENJOY! Have leftovers? Add a handful of roasted beets to your favorite salad, or combine them with chickpeas in your favorite hummus recipe for a real showstopper! Other great ways to prepare them include fired like chips, boiled, and steamed. Beets are a fun vegetable which can add more color and nutrients to any plate.
Interested in learning more about how eating the rainbow
can support your health and wellness?
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