Remember the lonely, uneaten bowl of beets at your childhood Thanksgivings? The sweet, earthy root vegetables sure have come a long way. These days, beets are the star ingredient in salads, juices, soups, and more. And this food trend is one even nutritionists get behind. “They’re definitely a performance food—they’re good for your heart, your mind, and your muscles,” says Dawn Jackson-Blatner, RDN, a Chicago-based dietitian and the author of The Superfood Swap.

Plus, when they aren’t packaged in a can, beets can be delicious—and you don’t have to take it from us: “They aren’t bitter, so they’re good for people who don't like veggies,” says Leslie Bonci, MPH, RDN, a dietitian and owner of Active Eating Advice in Pittsburgh. “I’m a big fan of beets.”

Available in the summer, fall, and winter, beets can be found in the produce section of your local grocery store—and, better yet, they often come pre-steamed.