The Beets of a Different Drummer

After years of being relegated to the recesses of the salad bar buffet next to the shredded cheese and buttered croutons, beets are enjoying their much-deserved place at the center stage of a healthy diet.

Beets are not only chock-full of essential everyday nutrients like B-vitamins, iron, manganese, copper, magnesium, and potassium, these ruby & gold gems also are a goldmine of health-boosting nutrients that you may not get anywhere else. Here are some great and surprising things that happen to your body when you eat beets.

Beets are rich in nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes and dilates blood vessels, turning them into superhighways for your nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood. That means better circulation, and possibly lower blood pressure.

Beets don't just have a potentially positive impact on your blood pressure. They are also rich in a plant alkaloid and B-vitamins, which together deliver a one-two punch to lower your risk for artery damage and heart disease. The betaine found in beets has also been shown to improve digestion.

Beets are also rich in betalains, a class of potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that battle free radical- and inflammation-related chronic diseases like heart disease, obesity, and possibly cancer.

And while so many things that are good for you don’t appeal to many people, beets are different. They taste good and their earthy richness adds texture to anything disd they’re added to. Capriccio prepares and offers them in a number of simple and not-so-simple ways.

Enjoy them diced in a salad of mixed greens and balsamic vinaigrette or as the main ingredient in our new Beet Napoleons. Now, just when they are at their ripest, our chefs prepare them as thinly sliced, alternating layers of roasted Ruby and Gold Beets with layers of fresh herbed Goat Cheese, a sprinkle of Toasted Pistachios, and a Frisee Salad tossed in a Citrus Vinaigrette. They’re absolutely delicious and good for you.