Beets are so familiar to us, so "our own. In fact, several thousand years before us, its medicinal properties and taste (especially beet tops!) were first appreciated by the Persians and ancient Romans. In the Principality of Kiev beet "sailed" from Byzantium in about X-XI centuries, and then spread north, in the lands of Vladimir, Suzdal, Novgorod. For four centuries, by the XIV century, it has gained popularity among our ancestors: this is evidenced by the numerous records, for example, in the shop books and supply and expenditure books of the monasteries. What did they do with the beets? They were baked in the oven and served for tea. They were eaten sliced with ginger before dinner, and the tops were added to soups. And, of course, boiled borscht, the mention of which dates back to the 16th century. In 1975, during the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, Soviet cosmonauts treated American astronauts in orbit to beet borscht from tubes.
To me, beets are truly a "space" food because of their amazing health benefits!
I've loved beets since I was a child, especially in the borscht my grandmother made and in the vinaigrette, the only Soviet salad I could eat, since all the others were generously dressed with mayonnaise, which I hated. Both recipes (borscht and vinaigrette) are on the Live up! recipes mobile app.
So, why eat good old beets today, in the twenty-first century?
Digestion. Fiber and organic acids enhance intestinal peristalsis, so beets - an indispensable tool against constipation. Beets also help with digestion.
Liver. Betaine and betaine contribute to the breakdown and digestion of proteins and are involved in the formation of choline. Choline also improves liver function and fat metabolism. Therefore, doctors include beets in the diet for liver disease.
Cardiovascular System. Magnesium lowers blood pressure and in combination with potassium strengthens the heart. Magnesium prevents the formation of sclerotic plaques on the walls of blood vessels and atherosclerosis. Cobalt is used by intestinal microflora for the synthesis of vitamin B12 - in combination with folic acid in beets, this vitamin is involved in the creation of red blood cells. The unique ratio of sodium to calcium (10:1) helps with dilated and hardened veins, blood clots.
Physical activity. When we exercise, we rub electrolytes through our sweat: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chlorine. These nutrients play a key role in sending electrical impulses that affect the heart, muscles and nerves. They are also important for fluid balance and hydration of cells, tissues and muscles. All of these substances are found in beets.
Skin and Nails. Anthocyanin protects skin from sun damage, and vitamin A is essential for healthy skin, nails and hair.
Here is a simple and very tasty salad you can make with beets:
Ingredients
small beets - 2 pcs,
mustard with grains - 2 tsp,
basil - 1 small bundle,
mint - 1 small bundle,
Green onions - 1 small bundle,
cold pressed olive oil - 4 tbsp,
unrefined salt to taste,
freshly ground black pepper - to taste.
Preparing
Preheat the oven to 220 ˚ C.
Wash and dry the beets, wrap them in foil, and put them in the oven for 1 hour.
Prepare the sauce. Finely chop basil, mint and green onions, transfer the herbs to a glass.
Add olive oil, salt, mustard with grains, freshly ground black pepper to the greens. Stir thoroughly.
When the beets are ready, let them cool, peel, cut them into large pieces and put them in a deep salad bowl.
Pour sauce and mix well.
Serve on a flat plate.
You must be logged in to post a comment.