Beetroot is a superfood which is quite popular due to its deep red color and health benefits. Beetroot is considered beneficial to increase the amount of hemoglobin in the body and to cure all diseases. Most people like to consume it in the form of salads and juices. It is considered a good source of iron and antioxidants. At the same time, it also contains elements like folic acid magnesium, calcium, potassium, iodine, nitrate, phosphorus, vitamin C, vitamin B1, B2 and sodium which help to increase stamina, blood in the body, control blood pressure, strengthen muscles and cure many other diseases. A pigment called betanin is also found in beet which gives it pink color.

What is Beetroot?

Beetroot is a plant with pestle root (a main central root from which other roots originate) which belongs to a variety called Beta vulgaris. It is mostly used in the form of salad, food color, juice and medicine but beetroot is mostly used in summer due to its cooling effect.

Beetroot is called la remolacha in Spanish, Hong cai tou in Chinese and Chukandar in Hindi. In some places, it is also known as Red Queen.

Benefits of Beetroot

For eyes-

Beetroot is beneficial for the eyes because it is considered a treasure of many vitamins and minerals. Vitamin-C is also present in it which is very important for the eyes.

For teeth and bones-

Calcium is necessary to strengthen bones and protect other organs of the body. Since beetroot is considered a good source of calcium, it helps to keep teeth and bones strong. Therefore, it is good to eat beet for the strength of bones and other parts of the body.

For diabetes-

Beetroot has hypoglycemic properties which helps to control diabetes. So beet can be consumed as a natural cure for diabetes.

For heart-

The nitrate element is found in beet which works by normalizing blood pressure, protecting against heart disease and heart attack. In addition beet has antiinflammatory properties which reduce the inflammation of the body that causes heart disease. The vitamins and minerals present in beetroot also works to keep the heart healthy.

For liver-

Beetroot detoxifies the liver. It helps to reduce the oxidative damage to the liver. In addition, the flavonoids found in it help in maintaining the metabolism of the body. Therefore, beetroot should be consumed to avoid liver-related problems.

For high blood pressure-

For proper health, it is very important to keep the blood flow in the arteries normal. Since beet contains an element called nitrate which helps reduce high BP. Therefore, the use of beetroot is also included in home remedies for high blood pressure.

For skin-

Beet extract contains an element called glucosylceramide which provides protection to the upper layer of skin. Therefore, beet juice should be consumed to keep the skin healthy for a long time.

For anemia-

In anemia, there is a deficiency of iron in the body due to which red blood cells are not produced in the body. In such a situation, the patient is advised to take  iron-rich foods. Since beetroot is considered a good source of iron, it works by transporting oxygen to various parts of the body by making red blood cells in the body.

For cancer-

According to a research report related to beetroot, it has certain properties which works to prevent lung and skin cancer from developing in the body. Drinking carrot and beet juice together also reduces the risk of blood cancer in the body.

Beneficial in pregnancy-

Beetroot is beneficial during pregnancy because it is a good source of folate, which is considered an essential vitamin during pregnancy. Folate helps in the development of the fetus, its spine and brain and also reduces the chances of malformations in the baby during birth. That's why taking beetroot during pregnancy is good for health.

Uses of Beetroot

• Beetroot is eaten as a salad with food.
• Beetroot is also consumed as juice and is beneficial for health.
• Beetroot is also eaten raw by chopping it, sprinkling lemon and salt on it.
• Some people like to consume beet in the form of raita.
• Some people also make beet vegetables and eat it.

Side effects of Beetroot

• Since beetroot contains plenty of dietary oxalate. Therefore, excessive intake of it can cause stone problems.
• Some people are allergic to beetroot. Hence, excessive intake of it may cause red, itchy and burning rashes on the skin, shortness of breath and irritation in the nose and eyes.
• Excess intake of beetroot can accumulate metal in the liver and can also cause beeturia (color change of urine).
• Side effects of beetroot also include changed color of stools (red stool).