Beets²: Colorful Guards Against Cancer and High Blood Pressure

甜菜：抵御癌症和高血压的彩色士兵

Why: They contain several disease-fighting phytonutrients, including the pigment³ betacyanin, which gives them their distinctive⁴ hue⁵. Beets are also a good source of folate, which guards against birth defects, colon⁶ cancer and osteoporosis, and are high in fiber⁷ and beta-carotene. And a study in the journal Hypertension showed that beet¹ juice reduced participants' blood pressure.

原因：它含有多种防病的植物营养素，包括β花青苷素，它能使甜菜颜色鲜艳。甜菜也含有大量叶酸，它能预防胎儿畸形、结肠癌、骨质疏松，且含有高纤维及β-胡萝卜素。《高血压杂志》中的一篇研究指出：甜菜汁能降低受试者的血压。

How: If you think you don't like beets, try pairing them with contrasting ingredients. That can be a salty, creamy cheese (e.g., goat or blue), toasted nuts (e.g., walnuts⁸ or almonds)-or both, as in this Roasted Beet Salad with Arugula, Pistachios and Goat Cheese. Another idea: this delicious dip for potato chips that also makes a nice accompaniment to steak.

食用方法：假如你不喜欢吃甜菜，那就试着将它们与相反味道的食材混合起来。比如咸味的奶油芝士（比如山羊芝士、蓝纹芝士）、烤坚果（如核桃、杏仁），或两者同时混合。可以做成烤甜菜+芝麻菜+开心果+山羊芝士味的沙拉。另一个办法：甜菜汁不仅蘸薯片好吃，做成烤肉蘸酱也很美味哦。

Figs⁹: Jammed with Fiber, Calcium¹⁰...and Jam-Like Flavor

无花果：充斥着纤维、钙……以及果酱般的口感

Why: Used for millennia¹¹ in ancient Mediterranean¹² and Middle Eastern cultures, figs are an excellent source of dietary fiber (almost 2 grams each). They're also a good source of calcium and potassium.

原因：在古地中海及中东传统文化里，无花果具有千年的食用历史。它是提供膳食纤维的极好来源（每只含有2g膳食纤维）。此外，它们也富含钙和钾。

How: Figs make a lovely addition to a cheese platter. You can also thread the fruits onto rosemary branches and grill¹³ them, or use them to make a sauce for salmon¹⁴.

食用方法：无花果能给一盘芝士锦上添花。你也可以在其上撒点迷迭香末，进行烧烤，或者将其制成三文鱼的调味汁。