From the Middle Ages, beets were used as a treatment for a variety of conditions, especially illnesses relating to digestion and the blood. Although typically a beautiful reddish-purple hue, beets also come in varieties that feature white, golden/yellow or even rainbow color roots. Besides, their sweet taste reflects their high sugar content, which makes them an important source for the production of refined sugar. In addition, beets contain a bit of almost all the vitamins and minerals that you need! For one, they contain a high concentration of nitrates, which have a blood pressure-lowering effect. This may lead to a reduced risk of heart attacks, heart failure and stroke.