Root vegetables are a staple in many diets, and two of the most popular are rutabagas and beets. Both are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, but which one is the better choice for your health? In this article, we’ll take a look at the nutritional comparison of rutabaga vs beets to help you decide.
Nutritional Value of Rutabaga
Calories and Macronutrients
Rutabagas are a low-calorie vegetable, with just 45 calories per cup. They are also a good source of carbohydrates, providing 8.5 grams per cup. Rutabagas are also a good source of dietary fiber, with 3.5 grams per cup.
Vitamins and Minerals
Rutabagas are an excellent source of vitamin C, providing 25% of the daily recommended value per cup. They are also a good source of vitamin B6, potassium, and magnesium. Rutabagas are also a good source of folate, iron, and calcium.
Health Benefits
Rutabagas are a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect against oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, which can help promote digestive health and reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Nutritional Value of Beets
Calories and Macronutrients
Beets are a low-calorie vegetable, with just 37 calories per cup. They are also a good source of carbohydrates, providing 8.5 grams per cup. Beets are also a good source of dietary fiber, with 3.8 grams per cup.
Vitamins and Minerals
Beets are an excellent source of vitamin C, providing 20% of the daily recommended value per cup. They are also a good source of vitamin B6, potassium, and magnesium. Beets are also a good source of folate, iron, and calcium.
Health Benefits
Beets are a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect against oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, which can help promote digestive health and reduce the risk of certain diseases. Beets are also a good source of nitrates, which can help improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure.
Rutabaga vs Beets: A Nutritional Comparison
Calories and Macronutrients
When it comes to calories and macronutrients, both rutabagas and beets are low in calories and a good source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. However, rutabagas have slightly more calories and dietary fiber than beets.
Vitamins and Minerals
Both rutabagas and beets are an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of other essential vitamins and minerals. However, rutabagas have slightly more vitamin C than beets.
Health Benefits
Both rutabagas and beets are a good source of antioxidants, dietary fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals. However, beets have the added benefit of being a good source of nitrates, which can help improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure.
Overall, both rutabagas and beets are excellent sources of essential vitamins and minerals and can provide numerous health benefits. However, beets have the added benefit of being a good source of nitrates, which can help improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure. Ultimately, the choice between rutabaga vs beets comes down to personal preference.