11. BEETROOT

BEETROOT

Nutrition in 100 gm (raw)
Energy: 43 kcal
Carbohydrates	9.56 gm
Sugar	6.76 gm
Dietary fibre	2.8 gm
Fat	0.17 gm
Proteins	1.61 gm
Vitamin A	33 µ gm
Vit B1 (Thiamin)	0.031 mg
Vit B2 (Riboflavin)	0.04 mg
Vit B3 (Niacin)	0.334 mg
Pantothenic acid (Vit B5)	0.155 mg
Vit B6	0.067 mg
Vit B9 (Folate)	109 µ gm
Vitamin C	4.9 mg
Calcium	16 mg
Iron	0.8 mg
Magnesium	23 mg
Phosphorus	40 mg
Potassium	325 mg
Sodium	78 mg

Beetroots are roots that are rich in carbohydrates and dietary fibre. The skin has insoluble cellulose and the flesh has soluble pectin. They are a good source of folate (vitamin B6).

Beetroots are best eaten raw in salads as cooking destroys its anti oxidant power. It tastes a bit salty and sweet. Beetroot is used in many dishes like curry and sweets. It gives a strong red colour to the dishes. The leaves are also edible.

Beetroot contains a powerful antioxidant called betacyanin, which gives the red colour to beetroot. Beetroot is rich in potassium, vitamin A, iron and calcium.

Benefits:

1. Eating beetroot during pregnancy is good for the child to be born due to the folate. It will not suffer from birth defects.

2. Constipation: Beetroot works as a laxative. It also purifies the blood, and helps clean the kidneys, liver, spleen and the gal bladder.

3. Leaves of beetroot are highly nutritious. They are a rich source of vitamin A & C. In fact they have more iron and calcium than spinach.

4. Acidity: Beetroot is rich in alkaline elements and hence good for acidity.

5. Cancer: Beetroot has anti-carcinogenic properties. It helps immune cells to regenerate. Beetroot is a mine field of folate and red pigment which combat cancer.

6. Beauty: Beetroot has silica, which is vital for healthy skin, fingernails, ligaments, tendons and bones.

7. Nerves: Beetroot strengthens the nerves.

8. Drinking beetroot juice daily can reduce the blood pressure levels.

9. Bad breathe: Eating raw beetroot can help remove the smell of onion or garlic from your mouth.