This beautiful, colorful and nutrient dense salad from SkinnyTaste.com looks like the perfect spring and summer salad and is the perfect balance of protein and carbohydrates. If you are not a beet lover, keep reading...you might become one!
Nutrition Information
Servings: 4
Size: 1 salad
Old Points: 6 pts
Points+: 7 pts
Calories: 271
Fat: 10 g
Carb: 22 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 25 g
Sugar: 14 g
Sodium: 494 mg (without salt)
Cholesterol: 51 mg
Benefits of Beets
Beets are an extremely nutritious and are an amazing source of vitamins and minerals.
Vitamins and Minerals
Beets are high in potassium, magnesium, fiber, phosphorus, iron; vitamins A, B & C; beta-carotene, beta-cyanine; and folic acid. Beets are especially great for women who are pregnant as the vitamin B and iron are very beneficial to new growth cells and replenishing iron in the body.
Beets contain betaine, the same substance that is used in certain treatments of depression. It helps protects cells, proteins, and enzymes from environmental stress. Beets also contain trytophan, which relaxes the mind and creates a sense of well-being, similar to chocolate or turkey.
Beets Cleanse the Body
Beets are a great tonic for cleansing the liver and they help to purify the blood. The benefit of beets for your blood likely comes from the naturally occurring nitrates in beets. The nitrates are converted into nitric oxide in your body which in turn, helps to relax and dilate your blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
Beets Are Sweet!
In the 19th century beets became a popular source of sugar because of their natural sweetness. If you are a juicer or like to make healthy smoothies, try adding beets to your smoothie or juice. Use a small amount at first to supplement your fruit. You just might be pleasantly surprised!
If you make it, share a photo of your Monday Munchie on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter (@beMilestone) and use the hashtag #MilestoneMM so we can see it!
Sources: http://www.fullcircle.com/goodfoodlife/2012/05/10/6-health-benefits-of-eating-beets/
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/01/25/beets-health-benefits.aspx