by Rachel Alessi

Created on: June 20, 2010   Last Updated: July 07, 2010

Beetroot is a root vegetable which is not only good to eat, but is also packed full of powerful antioxidants and nutrients and is rich in cleansing and detoxifying properties.There are many benefits associated with a diet rich in beetroot

Beetroot offers a rich source of proteins, carbohydrates and contains high levels of important vitamins and micronutrients, including A, B6 and C. It contains silica, which turns into calcium when and where it is needed within our bodies, and is also a rich source of folic acid and iron.

Research has shown that beetroot can help lower blood pressure. Experts at the London School of Medicine and Dentistry conducted tests that showed the blood pressures of healthy volunteers were reduced within an hour of drinking 500ml of beetroot juice.  Other preliminary studies have shown that beetroot can help prevent lung and skin cancer.

Beetroot is one of the richest sources of folic acid, something that is essential for normal tissue growth. Folic acid also crucial to the development of a baby’s spinal cord during the first three months of pregnancy and can help prevent spinal cord defects such as spina bifida. Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive can get 75% of the Recommended Daily Allowance of folic acid from just three raw baby beetroot.

The bioactive agent betaine, which is essential for the liver to function healthily, is heavily present in beetroot. When the liver is functioning properly, fats are broken down efficiently, aiding weight loss, and preventing fatigue and nausea. Recent studies point to betaine as also contributing to the prevention of coronary and cerebral artery diseases. It is also important for cardiovascular health.

Betacyanin is the pigment that gives beetroot its colour, and is an antioxidant. Antioxidants are believed to help reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, protecting artery walls and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. They also help to cleanse the gall bladder, kidneys and spleen.

Beetroot contains soluble fibre, which has also been shown to have cholesterol lowering capabilities. It also ontains virtually no fat. It has a Glycaemic Index (GI) of 64 which makes it ‘medium’ on the index; this means that it is converted into sugar slowly which helps to keep your blood sugar levels stable and stop ‘spiking’ and ‘crashing’ which can cause fatigue and mood swings.

There's really no end to the benefits of beetroot.. It truly is a superfood!

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