Calories in Beets

The beets and their edible leafy greens have immense nutritive value. The beetroot is an ideal source of energy rich in nutrients and fiber. The nutrients in beets include sodium, copper, natural sugars and vitamins B1, B2 and C. The leafy greens of beets are rich in iron, potassium, calcium and vitamin A. The antioxidants in beets help fight cancer while the fiber content promotes digestion.

Beets are also considered as natural cleansers as they aid removal of toxins from the system. Beets are low fat but high in sugars and the sugar content largely contributes to calories in beets.

How Many Calories in Raw, Cooked Beets

Beets contain a calorific value of 43.0 per 100 gm serving. Other nutritional and calorie details with regard to beets are:

Carbohydrate content (grams per 100g) 9.56
Dietary Fiber content (grams per 100g) 2.8
Protein content (grams per 100g) 1.61
Water content (grams per 100g) 87.58
Fat content (lipids) (grams per 100g) 0.17
Sugar content (grams per 100g) 6.76

Beets can be consumed in a wide variety of ways. Beets can be cooked, boiled or had raw. Beets are regularly used in soups, salads, sandwiches and dips. Beetroot juice is also another popular way to enjoy the health benefits of beets. It is advisable to include beets at least once or twice a week. Cooking the beets lightly is considered as the ideal way to consume beets. Excessive cooking is known to destroy the concentration of phytonutrients in beets. Steaming the beets is also an ideal way to maximize the flavor and enjoy the nutritive benefits. Beets are also grated, sliced or cubed for salads and other preparations. Beets must be ideally had raw to enjoy the health benefits of beets. Read more on beetroot health benefits

The key health benefits associated with red beets are:

Anti cancer properties help treatment of leukemia and inhibit development of stomach and colon cancer
Regular consumption is also known to fight stress related disorders, reduce cholesterol, normalize blood pressure and also prevent varicose veins.
Beet consumed by women wanting to get pregnant or already pregnant can minimize risks of neural tube defects in newborn infants.
Beet juices help relive constipation and stimulate the function of liver cells. They also help alleviate problems associated with acidosis.See also acid reflux diet
Kidney and gall bladder problems can also be resolved with regular consumption of beets.

Submitted on January 16, 2014