Beetroot was known from Greek and Roman. They are low in calories, yet high in valuable vitamins and minerals.

 

During the early months of pregnancy, gynecologists prefer to prescribe folate to pregnant ladies. This folate helps in red blood cell formation, growth and its proper functioning.

 

Beetroot is one of the richest food in folate or folic acid (Vitamin B9). This vitamin is important to improve blood circulation and is not produced by our body, therefore must be supplied by the diet. Beet juice has been reported to be useful in reducing Anemia.

 

Regular consuming folate during reproductive period in women may prevent the some major birth defects, such as neural tube defect.

 

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many health problems such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, and may help the liver to detox the body.

 

Typically it is rich in purple color pigment, but beetroot can be white or golden. Beetroot is also called as the table beet, garden beet, red beet.

 

Beet contains antioxidants called alpha-lipoic acid, which may help lower the glucose level and in controlling Diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This alpha lipoic acid has gotten an importance in weight loss therapy.

 

Beetroot contains a high concentration of nitrates, which have blood pressure-lowering effect. Blood pressure especially hypertension is becoming one of the global burden in the world. According to experts, beet has a temporary effect on blood pressure and therefore, regular consumption of beet may help long-term reductions in blood pressure. This may reduce the risk of heart attacks.

 

The antioxidants that are present in abundant amount in this healthy root may help liver to detoxify some enzymes that can be harmful for health.

 

It is shown by studies that adding beetroot juice to the diet, may help reduce Cholesterol and Triglycerides and increase HDL i.e. Good cholesterol.

 

Beetroots are also one of the richest source of Glutamine – an amino acid (protein), glutamine plays an important role in maintaining a balance of the body’s acid-base ratio. This is also used to remove excess ammonia – a toxic waste product from blood circulation. Glutamine plays a role of energy source for immune cells and intestinal tissue.

 

By adding beet root blood circulation is regularized as well as the blood vessels to brain and spinal cord gets properly dilated. This improves brain blood circulation and enhance the mental health.

 

As becoming the energy provider for immune cell, and having the red pigment betalains, the beet root enhances the immunity and hence may help in controlling and preventing inflammation.

 

Its red color is due to the presence of a pigments called Betalains, that is water-soluble, antioxidant, and has anti-inflammatory properties. These all properties, neutralize the negative effect of free radicals.

 

Regular consumption of beetroot in salad form can improve digestion. It is rich in fiber, exerting favorable effects on bowel function, which may assist in preventing constipation and may help to get rid from IBS. Fibers have been linked to reduced colon cancer, heart disease and type 2 Diabetes.

 

Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties like flaxseeds that may help to fight against the cancerous growth. Cancer is now the topper in the global health burden. Earlier studies suggest to have beet root in diet of those who are at risk or fighting with cancer.

 

 About 100 gram of beet contains  

     – 36Kcal

     – 1.5 to 2 gm proteins,

– 70 mg Vitamin C

– 380 mg  Calcium

– 325 mg magnesium

– 16 to 17 mg Iron

– 2 to 3 gm Dietary fiber

 

 

Various ways it is consumed are

– It can be consumed raw in a salad regularly, this enhance the fibers and digestion.

– It’s tasty when converted to juice that can be energy drink and adding some flavour of fennel seed powder and lemon juice will enhance the taste.

– It is used in beetroot burger

– Breakfast becomes Healthy with beetroot Thepala, and many more various recipes can add the nutritive properties of beetroot in our diet.

 

Beetroot has high water and low-calorie content. Both of these properties are beneficial for weight loss. So, if still not tasted this nutritional gift of nature, start now and enjoy its lots of benefits.

 

 

 

Dr. Nilam

M.D. (Homoeopathy)

Mob. No. 7820929645