Cancer Fighter

• Red beets have a pigment called betacyanin that gives them their reddish-purple color. This also helps to fight cancer--in particular, colon cancer.

Heart Disease

• Red beets are high in fiber, and it has been noted that beet fiber in particular is good for health. This fiber can lower cholesterol by as much as 30 percent and can help protect against heart disease and heart attacks.

Birth Defects

• Red beets have a high level of folate, one of the B vitamins. This is important for pregnant women to consume, as it promotes general tissue growth and protects against birth defects in babies.

Anti-Inflammatory

• Bataine is the metabolite of choline, which is found naturally in red beets. This helps to reduce inflammation in the joints, which is helpful for those suffering from arthritis and osteoporosis.

Liver

• Beet fiber is important in protecting liver cells. The liver produces protective enzymes, so protecting this organ is important to obtaining overall good health.