Have you been hearing all the latest buzz about beets? Those small, red, earthy and sweet vegetables seem to be everywhere. And it’s no surprise so many use it to make beet juice or beet salad (or even lip balm!), given its many benefits—from boosting the immune system with vitamin C and minerals, to supplying the body with fiber, manganese and B vitamin folate, which helps reduce the risk of birth defects. And that’s not all, beets have amazing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, detoxification and energy-boosting benefits as well!

Antioxidant

Beets are unique when it comes to antioxidants because they contain betalains, which not only give beets their red color, but also help fight cancers of the lung, stomach, colon, and breast. Additionally, betalains help protect your eyes from cataracts and macular degeneration (loss of vision).

Anti-Inflammatory

Beets have betaine compounds that help control inflammation in the cardiovascular system, and keeps our bodies free from bacterial and viral infections.

Inflammation can cause a multitude of health issues, and betaine aids in keeping those inflammation levels low. As such, betaine helps keep our hearts healthy, reduces the risk of diabetes, and fights off other diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Detoxification

Beets contain betalains that form glutathiones, which remove toxins and heavy metals by neutralizing them. Once they are neutralized, the are flushed out from your body when you go to the bathroom.

Also, the fiber in beets help with the detoxification process by cleaning your digestive tract of unwanted chemicals, ultimately improving regular bowel movements.

Energy-Booster

You may not know this, but there are about 4.5 grams of effective (net) carbohydrate for every 1/2 cup of chopped raw beets. Effective carbohydrates are the amount of carbs in a food that the body is able to utilize for body energy, blood circulation and mental clarity.

A study has shown that beets can help boost energy levels significantly (much more than anyone ever expected). This study revealed how the level of oxygen intake increased by 16 percent for those who consumed beet juice, which has large amounts of nitrate. Consequently, this boost improved stamina, especially for those who exercise or play sports. So if you’re heading out for a workout, make sure to drink a glass of beet juice!

Beets and Beautycounter

And now, Beautycounter has recently released a rose lip balm colored only with organic beetroot juice (no artificial dyes), which I love! The balm is part of the Kiss, Kiss Gift Set, which also comes with the Peppermint Lip Balm—men and teens use it too!

This balm has a lovely hint of pink with a slightly sweet taste and scent, and is made with avocado oil and shea butter to give lips the ultimate hydration. It’s the perfect solution for chapped lips throughout the winter months. You can even wear it under your favorite lip sheer for added moisture! Plus, the holiday gift set comes wrapped in a beautiful limited edition red box—no last-minute wrapping required.

Make sure to get your duo before time runs out—it’s the new Beautycounter product that can’t be BEET!

xoxo NBC