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Beets and beet greens
May help prevent: cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, inflammation, stroke.

Although beets are messy, the rich red pigments that stain your clothes, hands, and urine is betacyanin, a potent cancer fighter. Beets also contain betaine, an unusual substance that is found in few foods. This phytochemical is important for detoxifying homocysteine and reducing heart disease risk. Red beets are a great source of salicylic acid, a close relative of aspirin. Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to lower the risk of heart disease by reducing blood clots and the formation of plaque on artery walls. Beets also supply vitamin C, folate, potassium, magnesium, iron and fibre providing a great team of disease fighters. Beet tops or greens are also delicious and nutritious. They're loaded with disease fighting beta-carotene, fibre, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, potassium, and richer in iron than spinach.

Action: Beets can be baked, boiled, steamed or shredded raw and added to soups, salads and slaws. Small beet leaves are fabulous raw in salads, while larger leaves are best steamed, wok-fried or sautéed.