In Eating Alive II and in his clinical practice, Dr. Matsen often tells his patients to include beets in their diets because they are good for the liver and gallbladder. Naturally sweet, low in calories, and high in fiber, beets are an excellent source of folic acid. They also contain vitamins C, A, and potassium. In addition, beets are high in anthocyanidins, bioflavonoids that have the ability to protect and recycle glutathione and optimize its ability to detoxify free radicals.

Beet greens are also very nutritious. They contain beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. See this month’s Health Tip for information on how to cook beets and beet greens.