Otherwise known as beetroots, beets are a type of vegetable derived from the taproot portion of beet plants, a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean and Atlantic European coast.
Beets are a great source of fiber, folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C and can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled.
Beets come in various colors like yellow, white, pink, and dark purple, and they possess many fantastic health benefits. Why am I craving beets?
If you’re craving beets, your body is deficient in certain high-value nutrients found in beets, mainly carbohydrates.
This article outlines five possible reasons for craving beets and fun ways to satisfy your beet cravings.
Likely reasons you’re craving beets
You’re low on carbs
This is the most likely reason you’re craving beets.
Beetroots are a rich source of carbohydrates as one cup serving of beet offers about 8–10% carbs.
If you are low on energy or deprived of carbohydrates, your body may begin to crave this carb-rich food.
Deficiency in folate
Beets are high in folate. The body needs about 400 micrograms of folic acid per day to maintain good health, and a cup of raw beets contains about 148 mg of folate.
So you may crave beets if your body does not maintain the daily nutritional requirement for folate.
Insufficient fiber
Beets are fiber-rich foods and can help make up for a fiber deficiency in the body.
Usually, women should take about 25 grams of fiber a day, while men should aim for 30 to 38 grams daily. One cup of beetroot contains 3.4 grams of fiber, making beets a good fiber source.
Taste preference for beets
Beets and beet juice have a sweet rejuvenating taste; your taste buds may just be craving its nourishing earthy flavor again.
You haven’t had beets in a while
Beets are usually available during winter, from November to January. So your beet cravings may be because you haven’t eaten it in a long time, especially if it’s now the harvest season for beets.
Why am I craving beets during pregnancy?
Beetroots are high in folic acid, which is essential to the proper development of the fetus.
You are likely craving beets during pregnancy because your body needs more folate to meet your baby’s nutrient requirement.
Why should you eat beets and satisfy your craving?
It may improve blood pressure
Beets are rich in nitrates, which help enhance blood circulation in the body and possibly lower blood pressure.
Can enhance exercise performance
Drinking beetroot juice before exercise can boost your endurance. Beet juice raises nitric oxide levels in the body, improving lung function and strengthening muscle contraction, thus increasing how long it takes to become exhausted during body training.
Decrease heart disease risk
Beets contain betaine and folate that helps to lower blood levels of homocysteine, which at high levels increases your risk for artery damage and heart disease.
Lower blood sugar
Beets also contain alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant that can help to lower glucose levels in the body.
Aids digestion
Fiber is essential for smooth digestion and gut health, and beets provide 3.81 grams of fiber per cup.
Can help fight cancer
Beetroot contains certain cancer-fighting compounds, including betaine, ferulic acid, rutin, kaempferol, and caffeic acid, which may help slow cell division and growth. Source.
Help balance energy intake
Low-calorie foods like beets can help stabilize your energy intake and maintain a healthy weight.
The fiber in beets also supports digestive health, decreases appetite, and promotes feelings of fullness, thereby reducing your overall calorie intake.
How to eat beets to satisfy your cravings
The following are some exciting recipe ideas to help you satisfy your beet cravings. Explore!
- Make beetroot juice.
Peel some beetroot and blend it with fresh orange, pineapple, apples, lemon, and ginger. You can strain it afterward for a smoother texture.
- Slice some raw beets and serve them with lemon juice.
- Grate or slice raw beets and add them to coleslaw or a salad.
- Wedge beetroots and toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and spices. Then, roast them in a 400°F (205°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until they’re tender. You can also roast beets with goat’s cheese for a flavorful pairing.
- Like how you’d use spinach, cook some fresh beet leaves, and enjoy with lemon wedges.
- Blend some beets with Greek yogurt and fresh garlic to make a delicious, healthy, and colorful dip.
Frequently asked questions
How are beets eaten?
Beets can be consumed boiled, roasted, steamed, or pickled. However, because dietary nitrates are water-soluble, it’s best to avoid boiling beets if you want to maximize their nitrate content.
What is the healthiest way to eat beets?
The best way to maximize the nutrients in beets is to roast or sauté them.
How many beets should you eat a day?
Drinking 2 cups of beet juice daily is excellent for lowering blood pressure in healthy adults.
Is it ok to eat raw beets?
You can grate raw beets to add an extra crunch to salads and sandwiches. Serving them raw also ensures they retain all of their water-soluble nutrients.
Do beets have to be peeled?
You do not have to peel your beets before cooking unless you want to eat them raw.
Do beets help relieve constipation?
Beets are a good source of fiber; hence they provide excellent relief for constipation.
Are beets good for losing weight?
Yes, eating beets can help you maintain a healthy weight, and they are recommended diets for weight loss.
Do beets detox your body?
Yes, beetroot juice can help eliminate free radicals from your body cells, and they also help strengthen the immune system.
Conclusion
Beets are a delicious and versatile vegetable you can eat every day. They contain many essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B9, manganese, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, and any deficiency in these nutrients may cause you to crave them.
Beets are available in many different colors, and you can select the one that best suits your craving. Enjoy!