This underestimated veggie can improve your health

Check out my article "This Underestimated Veggie Can Improve Your Health." I'm so proud and honored to have the Spice Detective as a contributor to www.marthastewart.com

Martha Stewart has always been an inspiration, being selected as a contributor is a great honor. Thank you Martha Stewart for the vote of confidence.

Check out my first post below or directly on the Martha Stewart website: Click here

I know most people either love or hate beets, and I’m not going to fight you on your tastes, but beets are a superfood worthy of your attention. They are a powerful ally in human health.

One of my favorite ways to eat beets is in a fresh juice, but I don’t recommend juicing it all on its own because of its strong flavor. I like to mix it with carrots, apples, and a touch of ginger to create a more palatable juice. Another of my favorites is a beet salad -- my mother makes a wonderful one with cumin, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh parsley. I love it because the cumin works as an aromatic addition to the sweetness and earthy flavors of the beets. Invent your own combinations, and get creative! (Check out the recipe here)

I urge you to introduce your whole family (especially young children) to the wonderful flavors of beets if you haven't already. Start with golden beets, as their flavor is slightly milder than other varieties. Golden beets may be delicious, but the red beets hold the secret health pigment.

Beets are high in folate, which helps regenerate red blood cells, and manganese -- a trace element that benefits growth and health. Beets are also full of antioxidants and vitamin A, which can protect the body from harmful free radicals.

Eating beets can increase potassium levels in the body and help overall heart function. This wonderful flavorful root also contains lots of fiber -- it will support digestion!

To your health,
The Spice Detective.