This smooth warm soup, also known as borscht in some northern European countries, is not only brightly colored but also has a big bold flavor and is packed with nutrition. It is sure to warm your body and sooth your soul.
THE TWIST
The pigments that give beets their rich colors functions both as antioxidants and as an anti-inflammatory. The combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecules in beets makes this food a great option for risk reduction of many cancer types including colon, stomach, nerve, lung, breast, prostate and testicular cancers. Beet fiber has also been a nutrient of increasing interest in health research. While many people tend to lump all food fiber into one single category called “dietary fiber,” there is evidence to suggest that all dietary fiber is not the same. Beet fiber is a specific type of food fiber that may provide special health benefits, particularly with respect to health of our digestive tract including the prevention of colon cancer and our cardiovascular system.
Beet consumption also helps prevent birth defects, is good for the liver and is a natural detoxifier, boosts energy, improves blood flow to the brain, prevents cataracts and macular degeneration, and is good for the heart.
http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-beet.html
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=49
BEET SOUP
What could I substitute for the kelp powder?
Hi Dayna,
You can easily find kelp granules at Whole Foods Market or order kelp powder online or if that is not an option you can simply leave it out and perhaps adjust the amount of Himalayan sea salt in the recipe. The kelp adds a huge amount of essential minerals to the beet soup as well as any other recipe that you may see it in.