Beetroot – A Wonder Vegetable

People have cultivated beetroot since the beginning of recorded history and often used it for medicinal purposes as well as for food. The Romans also commonly used the vegetable as an aphrodisiac. Beetroots contain an amazing phytonutrient called Betalain known for its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in detoxification too. Loaded with the goodness of essential nutrients, beetroot has the potential to keep a lot of diseases at bay.

Benefits of Beetroot for Heart

Protects Heart

The Betalain in beetroot protect overall functioning of the heart.  It lowers homocysteine levels which is associated with blood vessel inflammation. Besides this, beetroots also lower the CRP (C-reactive protein that damages the arteries)

Lowers Blood pressure

A study in the American Heart Association journal found that Beetroot contains Nitrates which are converted into Nitrites by the salivary action. Nitrites then exert a blood pressure lowering effect.

Reduces the blood cholesterol levels

Beetroot fibre along with its folate helps in reducing the blood triglyceride and blood cholesterol levels. To avail these benefits of beetroot juice, one must avoid straining the juice. Eating whole beetroot is more beneficial to make the most of cholesterol lowering abilities.

Benefits of Beetroot for Liver

Helps in treating Jaundice

Consumption of beetroot juice is beneficial during an episode of jaundice. It provides the needed fluids and carbs in this condition.

Protection against liver diseases

Beetroot juice helps in providing protection against diseases of the liver that occur due to fatty deposits in the liver. These deposits  can be caused due to alcohol abuse, diabetes, conditions like protein deficiency and  obesity.

Benefits of Beetroot for Anaemia

Beetroot provides 37 % of the daily requirement of folate and thus helps in conditions like anaemia. It is also rich in iron, thus helpful in conditions like iron deficiency anaemia. It also helps in the haemoglobin build up. Beetroot juice is loaded with phosphorous, magnesium, potassium and zinc. It also has vitamin C, which helps in the absorption of iron in the body.

Benefits of Beetroot for skin 

Beetroot juice works wonders on oily skin and in fighting against acne and pimples. Drinking beetroot juice mixed with carrot or cucumber is loaded with antioxidants and is immensely beneficial in improving skin health.