RediBeets

Many ancient peoples believed the shape and color of a plant was indicative of how the plant could help them, and beets were no exception. Because of their "blood red" color, beets were believed to be good for the blood and were eaten to improve "weak" blood. Folklore also tells us that Greeks used beets to "cool" blood, while Romans used beets to fight fever.

Like much of the folklore about herbs, there may be a kernel of truth in these traditional beliefs. Beets do contain nutrients that are good for you. One cup of raw beets is high in carbohydrates and low in fat. It contains phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium, as well as fiber, vitamins A and C, niacin, folic acid, and biotin. Although these are not found in "RDA" quantities, we must remember that nutrients derived from a natural source may be "better" than those found in supplements, as they may be more readily absorbed, and many believe that natural proportions are superior to mega doses of synthetic vitamins.

Current Uses

According to John Heinerman, in the Encyclopedia of Healing Juices, beets (and beet juices) are a blood-building herb that detoxifies blood and renews it with minerals and natural sugars. The encyclopedia goes on to note that there may be substances in beets that aid circulation.

Other sources also speak highly of beets and beet juices. Dr. H.C.A. Vogel, in The Nature Doctor, states that beet juice contains betaine, which stimulates the function of liver cells and protects the liver and bile ducts. Dr. Norman Walker, D.Sc., in Fresh Vegetable and Fruit Juices, claims that beets build red corpuscles and add tone to blood.

Of course, many of these claims are not substantiated in a "traditional" sense. Should we believe them? The universal acceptance of plant phytochemicals_substances found in plants that might play a role in preventive health_might at least nudge us to the willingness to accept the possibility that beets have benefits. After all, it seems that every time you open the newspaper you read about fruits, vegetables, and health.

In 1994, Newsweek magazine ran a cover story on phytochemicals. Just last fall, USA Weekend, a popular Sunday newspaper insert, featured Jean Carper and "Anti-aging" foods. She has written several books on the benefits of fruits and vegetables and their phytochemicals. In a more "official" realm, the National Cancer Institute suggests that we eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day and is also a big supporter of research on phytochemicals: It has launched a multimillion-dollar project to find, isolate, and study phytochemicals.

All in all, there is little doubt that fruits and vegetables are good for you and may help our health in ways we do not yet know. So eat a lot of them. Why not include beets?

RediBeets

RediBeets offers a convenient way to make beets part of your daily diet.

The half-pound of beets used to make a teaspoon of RediBeets is residue-free, and the beets are processed in a state-of-the-art facility that separates the juice_and its valuable nutrients_from the plants' fiber. In this process, the beets are not subjected to high temperatures that may damage their nutrients.

As part of a regular juicing program, RediBeets provides one of the most convenient ways to achieve an improved diet through regular consumption of five or more servings of vegetables a day.

Directions

RediBeets can be taken dry or mixed with two to three ounces of water, juice, or Barleygreen. The recommended serving is one teaspoon twice a day on an empty stomach.

Because beet juice can have a strong effect on some individuals when they use it for the first time (dizziness due to detoxification), it is suggested that you take the recommended serving. Do not exceed two servings per day without the advice of your health practitioner.

Consider adding BarleyLife and Just Carrots for a complete juicing program.

Further Reading

Heinerman, John. 1944. Encyclopedia of Healing Juices. West Nyack, NY: Parker Publishing Co.

Vogel, Dr. H.C.A. 1991. The Nature Doctor. New Canaan, Conn.: Keats Publishing, Inc.

"Beet juice aids stomach upsets, some cancers," in Better Nutrition for Today's Living. Oct. 1994.

Walker, Norman W. D.Sc. 1970. Fresh Vegetable and Fruit Juices. Prescott, AZ: Norwalk Press.