Standing the Test of Time

The Romans were said to consume beets to treat constipation and fevers, and in the Middle Ages they were reportedly used for digestive ailments.¹ Today they remain a staple of healthy eating around the world, beloved for their high concentration of nutrients, including antioxidants and nitrates. The nitrates are what make beets so heart healthy—our bodies convert nitrates into nitric oxide (NO), which supports cardiovascular health by relaxing blood vessels and promoting healthy blood pressure.² Beets also support energy production and improve oxygenation, and studies have shown great benefits for athletes.³ And let’s not forget the greens! (Fun fact: beets were first cultivated for their leafy tops!) The leaves of beets contain higher amounts of certain nutrients than the ruby red root we typically eat, including iron and potassium, and vitamins A, C, and K.⁴

Beet It, Heavy Metals

A steaming bowl of crimson and golden jewels with a sprinkle of caraway seeds, a dash of olive oil, and a hint of… heavy metals?! No, thank you! Root vegetables like beets are at the highest risk for accumulating heavy metals, including cadmium, mercury, and lead.⁵ Beets grow long taproots that reach deep into the soil to access nutrients, but when soil is contaminated from conventional agricultural practices, like using fertilizers containing cadmium, those metals can accumulate in the beetroot. These heavy metals can then put human health at risk—cadmium, for example, can build up in the kidneys and alter DNA repair processes.⁶ On the other hand, organic beets and beet products like juices and supplements have been shown to have lower levels of heavy metals—a clear choice for optimal health and getting the most out of these delicious roots.

Beets, Bees, Beautiful Bounties

Beets tend to be lower in pesticide residues, but this doesn’t mean pesticides aren’t used, nor does it put beets in the clear when it comes to their environmental impact and the importance of choosing organic. There are more than 45 pesticides used in beet farming, and 39 of those pesticides have been linked with chronic health impacts, including cancer.⁷ Beets depend on pollinators to grow, and 18 of those pesticides are toxic to honeybees and other pollinators. Organic standards protect pollinators who work tirelessly to keep crops and other plants growing and thriving by prohibiting the use of toxic synthetic pesticides. Organic farming also produces fruits and veggies that are more nutritious—when compared to conventionally grown beets, organic beets contained a “significantly” higher concentration of antioxidants.^{8 9}

With all the amazing benefits beets offer, you want to get the most out of every beet you eat, and that means choosing organic, whether it be the root, greens, juice, or a powder supplement.

Try Our Winter Beet Salad Recipe

This incredibly simple salad is a satisfying addition to your winter meals. The crisp, refreshing greens with the sweet earthiness of beets and toasted pecans pair perfectly with creamy goat cheese to make for a delightful mix of textures and flavors!

GET THE RECIPE

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