Beetroots are loaded with vitamins A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C. Beet greens are considered to have higher content of iron compared to spinach. Beetroots are excellent source of minerals like phosphorus, calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium
Beetroot are also excellent source of various phytochemicals. The deep red colour of beetroot can be attributed to betaine pigments present in them. The root is rich source of phytochemical compound Glycine betaine. Betaine reduces homocysteine level in blood which is toxic metabolic product and results in development of heart disorders, stroke and peripheral vascular diseases. Pigment molecule betanin in beetroot is considered good against oxidative stress. All parts of the beet plant contain oxalic acid and may cause formation of kidney stones.
Raw beets are an excellent source of folates which are required for normal growth of body and DNA synthesis of cells. Vitamin C in beet has high anti oxidant properties and cleanse free radicals from body. Beet greens also provide carotenoids, flavonoid anti-oxidants, and vitamin A which is required for healthy mucus membrane, skin and eyesight.
Health benefits of Beet
Roots and leaves of Beet have been used in traditional medicine for treating various diseases. In ancient Rome, beet root was used in treatment for constipation and fever. Hippocrates promoted beet leaves for treatment of wounds. Beetroot has been used in treatment of ailments related to digestive system and circulatory system.
Amongst various betalains present in beet, Betanin and vulgaxanthin are most researched for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification support.
Anti-oxidant properties of Beet: Beets contain rich mix of unusual antioxidants. Antioxidant uniqueness comes from betalain pigments. Further it is coupled with antioxidant properties attributed to Vitamin C, manganese and other nutrients present in Beet. Anti oxidant properties of beet protects heart from aging of heart blood vessels and lowers choldestrol level. If you are looking for vegetable which is good for your heart, then Beet is one of them. Unique pigments in Beet with antioxidant properties makes beet highly nutritious and heart friendly vegetable. Beet through its antioxidant properties provides benefits for eye health and overall nerve tissue health.
Anti cancer properties of Beet: Lab results have proved that betanin pigments in beet inhibit growth of tumor cells. Researchers are closely evaluating health benefits of beet and its anti cancer properties.
Cleansing properties of beetroot/ Detoxification: Betalin pigments in beet helps in cleasing of the body and attributes for detoxification properties of beet. Beet helps body get rid of harmful and toxic material from body naturally. Choline content in beet protects liver and helps removal of toxins and excess alcohol from liver. The cleansing virtues in beets juice is thus healing for liver diseases including hepatitis, jaundice, food poisoning, diarrhea or vomiting. Beet is considered good for treatment of Gout. Beet and carrot juice is magical combination for curing aliments related to gall bladder and kidney ailments, all because of the superb cleansing virtues of beet.
Anti inflammatory properties of beet: Various phytonutrients like betanin, Vitamin C, etc present in beet work as anti inflammatory compounds. Beets have been studied on treatment of various heart diseases caused by chronic inflammation. Apart from the cardio vascular benefits, beet also has healing and medicinal values to normalize blood pressure, lowering high blood pressure or elevating low blood pressure. Beet hhelps arteries maintain their elasticity and thus regular consumption of beet or beet juice helps prevent varicose veins.
Prevention of anemia: High iron content in beet rejuvenates red blood cells and enhances its capacity of carrying oxygen and thus prevents anemia.
Digestion: Cellulose and fibre content in beet helps bowel movements. Regular consumption of beet is considered helpful in case of constipation. Beet is rich source of dietary fiber. Beet fiber has also been a nutrient of increasing interest in health research. Research has shown that beet fiber is different from other group of dietary fiber with high pectin polysaccharides. Beet fiber is specific type of food fiber with special health benefits with respect to health of digestive tract, prevention of colon cancer.
Acidosis: Beets is considered alkaline in nature and effective on acidosis. Beet juice consumed along with honey twice or thrice a week on empty stomach is considered good in case of gastric ulcers and hyperacidity.
People with history of oxlate containing kidney stone should limit consumption of beet. Laboratory studies have shown that oxalates in beet may also interfere with absorption of calcium from the body. While over one tenth of US adults also experience beeturia (a reddening of the urine) after consumption of beets in everyday amounts, people experiencing iron related problem should be cautious in case of beeturia.
Recipe using beet: