It is Valentine’s day, and what a better way to start this sweet day than with a loving bowl of Beet Granola?

I saw this recipe in one of my student’s website, and thought we absolutely had to give it a try. And not just because I especially like pink on Valentine’s Day, but because beets have so many amazing health benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory: unique phytonutrients in beets have been shown to function as anti-inflammatory compounds
• Detoxification support: betalains aid in the elimination of toxins
• Digestive Tract Support: beet fiber may provide special health benefits, particularly with respect to health of our digestive tract (including prevention of colon cancer) and our
• Cardiovascular support: beets provide much needed nitric oxide for healthy arteries
• Cancer protection: the combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds make beets cancer-protective

Caveat: beets are high in oxalates, which are naturally occurring organic acids found in a wide variety of foods (rhubarb, chocolate, spinach, beet greens, almonds, Swiss chard, cashews, and peanuts, to name a few). Some people may need to restrict oxalate intake if they have reduced kidney function or are prone to kidney stones. And even so, having some beets every now and then will likely benefit just about everyone (only 20-40% of the oxalates in our bloodstream come from preformed oxalates in our food).

Best way to prepare it and maintain its nutrient benefits: quick steam beets for 15 minutes. Once steamed you can use them in granola (Heart Beet granola recipe here) or in Dancing to the Beet Hummus (recipe here), or in salads, smoothies, chocolate cake, or as a side with olive oil and herbs du Provence.

I hope you find much sweetness (without sugar) on your Valentine’s Day.

Sources: World’s Healthiest Foods at www.whfoods.com