Beets!

Love em or hate em, there's no denying that beets are powerfully good medicine. Recent research has shown that because of their high nitrate content, beets can help regulate blood pressure. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, folic acid, iron and minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium), beets are also renowned for their blood building and cleansing properties.

So what's so special about beets? They contain betaine, which promotes the flow of bile and stimulates the function of liver cells. Essentially, betaine helps the liver do it's job better. Betaine also has a beneficial effect on fat metabolism (always a welcome side-effect!) Additionally, beets are high in fiber, including pectin, which binds to toxins, heavy metals and excess hormones in the gut and transports them out of the body, preventing them from being reabsorbed. Some juicing guides actually caution against drinking too much beet juice at once, because the detoxifying action is so quick and powerful. But don't just juice beets, (which deprives you of that important fiber component) eat the whole root. Try them grated on salads, roasted and served with sweet potatoes, or thinly sliced on sandwiches and reap the bountiful benefits of beets!