Sugar beet is rich in carbohydrates, protein, minerals, and vitamins. This article provides information on its health benefits, and two delicious ways on how to consume it.
Sugar beet is commonly used as a raw material in the commercial production of sugar. Its root contains a concentration of sucrose. The scientific name of sugar beet is Beta vulgaris. They belong to the family of Chenopodiaceae. Here are some ways on how to make a recipe out of this nutritious vegetable.
Recipes Using Sugar Beets
Beet Borscht
Ingredients
- Beef brisket, 1 pound
- Sugar beet (large), 1
- Onion (peeled and sliced), 1
- Sugar, 1 tablespoon
- Garlic clove (large; chopped), 1
- Lemon juice, 2 to 3 drops
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Preparation
Boil the beef brisket by submerging it in a pot, for 15 to 20 minutes. Add the onions, sugar beet, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, to it. Add the sugar to this and stir. Cook till the meat becomes tender. The beef might take up to 3 hours to get cooked, properly.
Beet Soup
Ingredients
- Sugar beets, 1 pound
- Water, 3 to 4 cups
- Common salt, 2 teaspoon
- Black pepper, ½ teaspoon
- Sugar, 2 tablespoons
- Lemon juice, 2 to 3 drops
- Sour cream, ½ cup
Preparation
Wash the beets thoroughly, with water; peel and grate them. Place the beets, water, pepper, sugar, salt, and lemon juice, in a casserole dish. Put this in a microwave oven for 10 to 12 minutes or till the beets turn tender. Take the dish out and let it cool down to room temperature. Refrigerate this for 8 to 9 hours. Garnish the dish with the sour cream, and serve cold.
Health Benefits
Sugar beets are considered as one of the healthiest natural foods. It is low in calories and contains cancer-fighting properties. Every 100 grams of this root gives you 42 Kcal of energy, 9.7 g of carbohydrates, 1.5 g of protein, 43 mg of phosphorus, 27 g of calcium, 10 mg of vitamin C, 4 mg of niacin, 1 mg of iron, as well as 0.5 mg of riboflavin and thiamine.
Consuming sugar beets improve the quality of blood; it is rich in folate which helps in preventing neural-tube birth defects. It contains a high amount of fiber, both soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber helps the intestines to run smoothly, while soluble fiber helps maintain levels of blood sugar and blood cholesterol. It also enhances the functioning of the digestive system and relieves constipation. It contains antioxidants that prevent the body from contracting various diseases and safeguard it from the physical signs of aging. On regular consumption, they serve as a great source of energy and also act as a natural aphrodisiac.