FOOD THYMES
SPRING 2013
When It Comes To Your Health – Beet It By Michelle Christopher
Consider the beet: this vegetable inspires a love it/hate it relationship. The beet’s polarizing nature often renders it ignored at the grocery store, but here is a little known fact: beets are not only nutritious, but delicious too. It’s no secret that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can play a key role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases and improving health. Beets have been heralded for their vast array of vitamins and minerals and positive impact on health. One of the fundamental characteristics that lend beets their protective nature is their nitrate content. This factor has been implicated in the reduction of blood pressure, benefits in cardiovascular disease, and improved athletic performance. Beets are also a great source of betalains, which are the pigments that impart the vegetables vibrant colors. Still not convinced that beets are not only good for you, but actually taste good too? Try this salad and let us know what you think:
Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Ingredients: Salad
? ? ? ? ? 1 medium red beet 1 medium gold beet 1 head of spinach ½ cup walnuts 2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
Dressing
? ? ? ¼ cup orange juice ¼ cup olive oil ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
Directions:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Wrap beets in foil. Roast at 400 degrees until tender. Cool, peel, and cut into ½ inch cubes. Separate spinach leaves from each of the stems. Combine and toss red beets, gold beets, spinach, walnuts and goat cheese. Pour orange juice, olive oil and balsamic vinegar into a mason jar and shake. Pour dressing over salad and toss salad once more when ready to serve.
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