5 Potential Health Benefits Of Beetroot

Grown in abundance in Mediterranean Europe, North Africa and India, Beetroot ‘chakunder’ besides being a culinary must, is also been used extensively in the traditional medicine for the health benefits it offers. Betains and anthocyanins pigments present in beetroot makes it a potent root vegetable for traditional detoxification and cellular healing processes.

For its came to India Beetroot is a root vegetable which is also known as chukandar, table beet, blood turnips, red beet, garden beet, golden beet, or dinner beet. Scientifically beetroot is known as Beta Vulgaris. Beetroot is the taproot portion of the plant. Chukandar is a small, medium-sized blood-red vegetable.

# Lowers Blood Pressure

The high concentration of nitrates in beets contributes to the blood-pressure-lowering effects. Dietary nitrates convert into a molecule that dilates the blood vessels thus, dropping the blood pressure. Nitrates further improve blood circulation.

# Supports Brain Health

1. The nitrates in beets help enhance mental and cognitive function by promoting the dilation of blood vessels and thus accelerating the blood flow to the brain.

2. The risk of certain conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s are reduced.

# Prevents cancer

1. Beetroot possesses anti-cancer properties. The antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory property of beetroot prevent cancer.

2. The high betalain pigment of beetroot reduces the growth of breast and prostate cancer cells.

3. The beta-cyanins present in chukandar is a powerful cancer-fighting compound. They reduce the proliferation of cancer cells.

4. Consumption of beetroot can help prevent lung and skin cancer.

# Fights Inflammation

1. The anti-inflammatory properties of beetroots are contributed to the certain pigments known as betalains present in beetroot.

2. The fiber and folate content of beetroots too is responsible for beetroot’s anti-inflammatory properties.

# Other possible Benefits

Beetroot produces several health benefits, apart from the health benefits mentioned above, it also produces a few more such as improves athletic performance, improves digestive health, helps lose weight, boosts stamina, relieves asthma symptoms, prevents anaemia, protects the liver, offers glowing skin, lowers blood glucose, lowers bad cholesterol, aids in foetal development, promotes bone health, improves liver health, delays signs of premature ageing, improves skin health, beneficial during pregnancy, good for the heart, improves sexual health, prevents cataracts, prevents osteoporosis, and promotes liver health.