Beetroot: Overview

  Beetroot as a potential food with health and beauty benefits

Beetroots are deep red colored root vegetables which are tremendously beneficial if we look at their nutrition profile and they also have the superpower to inhibit cancer growth.

Nutrient composition of beetroot:

Nutrient	Percentage value
Protein	1.35%
Fat	0.2%
Carbohydrate	7.6%
Dietary fiber	2.0%
Moisture	87.4%
Ash	1.4%

Beetroot contains iron, potassium, manganese, sodium, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A and folate. Also contains small amount of vitamin B6, copper, riboflavin, thiamine, calcium and copper.

Per 100gm beets contain:

Component	Amount
Water	87 g
Energy	44 kcal
Protein	1.68 g
Fat	0.18 g
Carbohydrate	9.96 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	7.96 g
Calcium	16 mg
Iron	0.79 mg
Magnesium	23 mg
Potassium	305 mg
Phosphorus	38 mg
Sodium	77 mg
Vitamin c	3.6 mg
Folate	80mg
Vitamin A	2ɥg

 

The active component present in beetroot is betalains, which occurs in two forms, betacyanin and betaxanthin, commercially used as food dye due to non-cancerous, non- poisonous and non-toxic nature.

Also, beets contain other bio-active components also like flavanoid, polyphenol and saponins etc. which contribute in the beneficial properties of it. Beetroots are commonly consumed as salad, juices, powder and pickle etc. across various food cultures.

Beetroots are treasure of antioxidants due to the presence of water soluble pigment betalains. Beetroot can be an excellent choice to use it as a food colorant to avoid the synthetic food colors.

Folic acid present in beetroots is beneficial for female reproductive system, especially for pregnant women. Beetroot is an excellent source of iron and vitamin c which makes it highly useful for people with anemia. Beetroot has a cooling effect on the body.

Beetroot as a Potential Food: let’s reveal the locked-up health and beauty secrets

 

Image from Pixabay

Cancer prevention

Beetroot helps in preventing the growth of cancer due to its antioxidant reserves and chemo-preventive activities. It acts as a part of nutritional strategy in patients undergoing chemotherapy and post-chemotherapy. Studies have shown that the presence of betacyanin in beetroot counteracts cancerous cell growth. Therefore, beetroot, raw, juiced, or blended, is a well-known popular functional food among patients with breast and prostate cancer.

 

Heart health

The fibres of beet help to increase the HDL (good cholesterol) and defence against heart-related problems such as heart attacks and strokes. Studies have shown a daily glass of beetroot juice can lower the high blood pressure. 

Beetroot contains inorganic nitrates and upon consumption, they release nitric oxide which relaxes blood vessels. It also improves blood flow to organs, muscles, and heart. It is beneficial for people suffering from heart conditions as they often have less nitric oxide circulating in their valves.

 

Liver Health

Consumption of beetroot helps in detoxification processes with the help of betalains as it purifies the blood, skin, and liver and boosts the functionality and stamina of the body. Due to its richness in oxalate, it is widely used as a remedy for bladder stones.

 

Boosts Energy Levels

Beets certainly pack a punch in your workout. Studies have shown that drinking beetroot juice increases oxygen uptake because of the presence of high nitrate content. It provides fuel for energy without any negative side effects and increases stamina as the presence of sugars gives you an immediate energy boost and improves performance in athletes. Therefore, supplement your pre-workout meal with beetroot and run extra miles.

 

Beets will beat the Constipation

Beetroots are considered as one of the best natural laxatives as they maintain good digestive health with the presence of Betalains and richness of fibres. Beetroot is rich in fibres which are highly beneficial in regulating your digestive processes as they offer smooth movement of the digestive waste through the intestines and quick relief from constipation due to the presence of Betalains.

 

Beetroot for skin

Want rosy cheeks, bright complexion, bright lips, and goodbye to pimples, blemishes, skin pigmentation, wrinkles, dark spots, aging, dry skin, and dark circles?, then kick-start your skincare routine with beetroot, a single solution to your multiple problems.

 

Bright and pink complexion

Beetroot is a blood purifier. Application of beetroot extracts on your face will give you a natural blush and rosy cheeks without a hole in your pocket and application of any harmful chemicals. Beetroot contains Vitamin C providing you a brighter complexion and the richness of iron, phosphorus, and protein, giving you pinkish skin at the same time.

 

Bright lips 

The bleaching properties of beetroot lighten the lip colour, nourishes the lips, and help in retaining moisture. Take a refrigerated slice of beetroot and add granulated sugar. Mix it and gently scrub it on your lips for a few minutes and enjoy the natural pink tint on your lips.

 

Get rid of pimples, blemishes, dark spots, Skin Pigmentation, and dark circles

The anti-inflammatory properties of Vitamin C, zinc, and antibiotics help prevent breakouts. In beets, vitamin C is present, an important vitamin for skin repair and collagen synthesis that helps in decreasing melanin formation and treating hyper pigmentation. Beetroot also hides the dark circles and its antioxidant properties revive the dull skin, repair the skin, repair the overall cells, and promote collagen synthesis thereby maintaining the overall healthy appearance of the skin.

Bonus tip to get rid of pimples: Take two tbsp refrigerated spoons of beetroot juice and add half tbsp curd. Apply it to the affected area. And wash it after sometime.

 

Anti-aging and wrinkles

    The vitamin C in beets protects the skin from showing the signs of early aging such as wrinkles. The richness of folate, potassium, fiber, antioxidants helps in the purification of blood and prevents early aging.