The answer to this question is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, raw beets deliver more dietary nitrate. Nitrates are converted into nitric oxide in the body, which has many benefits, including improved blood flow and reduced inflammation. However, cooking beets decreases the bioavailability of dietary nitrate from the food. In other words, your body can't use as many of the nutrients in cooked beets as it can in raw beets. So, if you're looking to get the most out of your beet intake, it's best to eat them raw.  However, cooking them may be a better option if you're not a fan of their taste or texture. Ultimately, the choice is up to you.