What you need to know: Beets are a part of the chenopod family, which also includes the strange array of superfoods spinach, quinoa and Swiss chard. This food family contains unique nutrients that are seldom found in other fruits and vegetables. Rich in betalain pigments, carotenoids and other phytonutrients, beets may help protect against heart disease, birth defects, certain cancers and even anemia. They’re also filled to the brim with antioxidants, which have been shown to keep your eyes and your nerves in tip-top shape.

Why you should try it: Beets are reported to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body, which may reduce the risk of colon, stomach, nerve, lung, breast, prostate and testicular cancers. They also contain bright betalin pigments that trigger glutathione, a key detoxifying antioxidant, to go into action at the liver. Betalin pigments also trigger phase-two detoxification in the liver, neutralizing harmful toxins for safe and efficient elimination – meaning that beets are a key food to eat for ongoing cleansing.

Let’s get together: Depending on your taste, we have a few great ways to start eating this cleansing food. In the mood for something light? Try this Beet and Fennel Salad With Citrus-Infused Olive Oil. Prefer something a bit more satisfying? Try these Baked Falafel with Quick-Pickled Turnips. Need something to hydrate and freshen up your day? Try Pressed Juicery’s Roots 1 and Roots 3: these juice blends are the perfect combo of sweet and savory, and always hit the spot!