Beetroot (Chukandar) Benefits

What is Beetroot and Where Does Beetroot Come From?

Beetroot, also known as beets or garden beets, is a root vegetable that belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family. It is scientifically known as Beta vulgaris. Beetroot is round and has a deep red or purple colour. 

The origins of beetroot can be traced back to the Mediterranean region, where it was cultivated thousands of years ago. It is believed that beetroot was first domesticated in ancient Egypt, where both the root and leaves were used for culinary and medicinal purposes. From there, it spread to other parts of the world, including ancient Greece and Rome. Today, beetroot is grown in various countries around the world, including Russia, the United States, France, Poland, Germany, and China. 

The benefits of eating beetroot nutrition include improved heart health and reduced blood pressure. It is valued for its sweet and earthy flavour, and it is used in a variety of dishes, both cooked and raw. 

15 Health Benefits of Beetroot

Beetroot benefits include potential improvements in heart health, exercise performance, and digestion. It is rich in antioxidants, which protect against cell damage, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, beetroot provides essential nutrients and may have cancer-fighting and brain health benefits. 

The easiest way to add this to your diet could be to add Beetroot Salad Recipe beside your meals to get the beetroot benefits. It is often pickled, roasted, boiled, or grated for salads and side dishes. Additionally, beetroot is also known for its vibrant colour and is used as a natural food colouring agent in some recipes and food products. 

Here are the benefits of eating beetroot; 

1. Beetroot helps to increase stamina
2. Beetroot helps to prevent Heart Diseases
3. Beetroot helps to lower blood pressure
4. Beetroot helps to boost the immune system
5. Beetroot helps to improve athletic performance
6. Beetroot helps to fight inflammation
7. Beetroot may improve digestive health
8. Beetroot may have anti-cancer properties
9. Beetroot may support brain health
10. Beetroot may help to cure Oxidative Damage
11. Beetroot helps to keep the digestive system healthy
12. Beetroot helps to exercise for a longer time
13. Beetroot may help in weight loss
14. Beetroot helps to strengthen bones
15. Beetroot helps in keeping a healthy pregnancy

Let us look at these health benefits of beetroot one by one

Beetroot Helps To Increase Stamina

Beetroot Benefits:  One of the key benefits of eating beetroot includes efficient energy production and reduced oxygen cost of exercise and enhanced overall stamina.

Nitrate, found in beetroot, is converted into nitric oxide in the body, which helps relax and dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles. You can get the strength to exercise more effectively without getting tired. You may add beetroot to your diet plans, buy health plans, and adopt healthy life habits to achieve overall well-being. 

Here’s how to harness the beetroot benefits to enhance stamina; 

1. Beetroot juice: Aim for about 2 cups (500 ml) of beetroot juice taken 2-3 hours before your workout or physical activity.
2. Whole beetroot: Incorporate whole beetroots into your diet as a natural source of nitrates. Including beetroot in your meals regularly may contribute to improved stamina over time. 

Beetroot Helps To Prevent Heart Diseases

Beetroot Benefits: Beetroot has potential benefits in preventing heart diseases by promoting healthy blood circulation. beetroot may aid in preventing heart diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and stroke. Additionally, its antioxidant properties can help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, further supporting cardiovascular health.

Here’s how to harness the beetroot benefits to reduce the chances of heart disease- include it in your diet by either having it raw or blending it into a smoothie and add in it to your morning breakfast drink. 

Beetroot Helps To Lower Blood Pressure

Beetroot Benefits: Beetroots can help reduce blood pressure due to their high nitrate content. Nitrate, found in abundance in beetroots, can be converted into nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a compound that helps relax and dilate blood vessels, promoting improved blood flow and reducing blood pressure. By promoting vasodilation and improving blood flow, beetroot consumption can help lower blood pressure. Beetroot benefits individuals with hypertension (high blood pressure). 

Here’s how to harness the beetroot benefits to regulate blood pressure; 

1. Add the beetroot consumption in any form, after your nap time or evening snack. 
2. Optimal timing: If consuming beetroot for its blood pressure benefits, consider consuming it a few hours before physical activity or exercise. This timing allows the body to convert the nitrates in beetroot into nitric oxide, facilitating improved blood flow during physical exertion.

Beetroot Helps To Boost The Immune System

Beetroot Benefits If you’re wondering if beetroot helps to boost the immune system, then Yes, beetroot can help boost the immune system. It is a natural source of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant known for its immune-boosting properties. Vitamin C helps stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are key players in the immune response. Furthermore, The antioxidants in beetroot protect cells from damage, while the fibre supports a healthy gut microbiome, crucial for immune function. 

Here’s how to harness the beetroot benefits to boost your immune system; 

1. Nutrient-dense diet: Pair beetroot with a well-rounded, nutrient-dense diet that includes a variety of whole foods. This will provide your body with a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients necessary for a strong immune system.
2. Balance and moderation: While beetroot offers health benefits, it’s important to consume it as part of a balanced diet. Incorporate a variety of other fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to ensure overall nutritional balance.

Beetroot Helps To Improve Athletic Performance

Health Benefits of Beetroot: Beetroot contributes to athletic performance in several ways:

• Increased endurance through improved blood flow and oxygen delivery to working muscles.
• Enhanced oxygen utilization, leads to improved aerobic capacity and the ability to sustain higher intensities for longer durations.
• Reduced oxygen cost of exercise, meaning athletes may require less oxygen to perform the same level of activity.
• Improved energy production by supporting the production of ATP, the primary energy source for muscle contractions.

Here’s how to harness the beetroot benefits to enhance athletic performance; 

1. Timing is key: Include it as your pre or post-workout food. You can add a scoop of protein powder to the beetroot smoothie or juice. 
2. Personalize your approach: Experiment with the quantity and timing of beetroot consumption to find what works best for your body and athletic needs. Everyone may respond differently, so it’s important to listen to your body and adjust accordingly.

Beetroot Helps To Fight Inflammation

Health Benefits of Beetroot: Beetroot helps fight inflammation through its antioxidants, betalains, and anti-inflammatory compounds. These components work together to reduce oxidative stress, neutralize free radicals, regulate the body’s inflammatory response, and promote better blood flow. By incorporating beetroot into your diet, you can benefit from its anti-inflammatory properties. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. 

Here’s how to harness the beetroot benefits to fight inflammation; 

1. Antioxidant-rich meals: Combine beetroot benefits with other antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. This combination provides a variety of antioxidants that work synergistically to combat inflammation.
2. Opt for fresh beetroot: Choose fresh beetroot over processed or canned options. Fresh beetroot retains more of its beneficial compounds, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Beetroot May Improve Digestive Health

Health Benefits of Beetroot: One of the many Beetroot benefits includes improved digestive health due to its high fibre content. Fibre promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements, preventing constipation. Additionally, beetroot’s antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. By incorporating beetroot into your diet, you can support digestive health.

Here’s how to harness the beetroot benefits to enhance; 

1. Increase fibre intake: Beetroot is rich in dietary fibre, which promotes healthy digestion. Include beetroot in your meals to increase your fibre intake. You can enjoy it raw in salads, roasted as a side dish, or grated into soups and stews.
2. Hydration: Stay adequately hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. Hydration supports optimal digestion and helps prevent constipation, allowing the fibre to work effectively.

Beetroot May Have Anti-Cancer Properties

Health Benefits of Beetroot: Beetroot may have anti-cancer properties. Beetroot’s high fibre content may contribute to a lower risk of certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer. While beetroot shows promise, it is important to note that it should not replace standard cancer treatments. If you have concerns about cancer prevention or treatment, it’s crucial to consult with healthcare professionals for proper guidance and care.

Here’s how to harness the beetroot benefits for heart health;

1. Beetroot juice: Drinking beetroot juice can provide a concentrated dose of beneficial compounds. Aim for about 1 cup (250 ml) of beetroot juice a few times per week.
2. Nitrate-rich foods: Supplement your diet with other nitrate-rich foods like leafy greens (spinach, arugula), celery, and radishes. These foods complement the beetroot benefits and promote heart health.

Beetroot May Support Brain Health

Health Benefits of Beetroot: Beetroot may support brain health through various mechanisms:

1. Enhanced blood flow: Beetroot contains nitrates that are converted into nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide helps relax and dilate blood vessels, leading to improved blood flow to the brain. This increased blood flow can enhance oxygen and nutrient delivery to brain cells. 
2. Cognitive function: The nitrates in beetroot have been associated with improved cognitive function, including memory, attention, and reaction time. Beetroot’s ability to enhance blood flow and oxygenation to the brain may contribute to these cognitive benefits.

Here’s how to harness the beetroot benefits for better brain health; 

1. Mental stimulation: Engage in activities that stimulate your brain, such as puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or social interactions. Keeping your brain active contributes to long-term brain health.
2. Regular consumption: Incorporate beetroot into your diet on a regular basis. You can enjoy it raw in salads, cooked in soups or stews, or as a juice. Aim for at least 1-2 servings of beetroot per week.

Beetroot May Help To Cure Oxidative Damage

Health Benefits of Beetroot: Oxidative damage refers to the harmful effects caused by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, leading to cellular and tissue damage. It is associated with various chronic conditions and ageing processes. Beetroot may contribute to reducing oxidative damage. The antioxidants in beetroot help protect cells from oxidative damage, preventing cellular deterioration. This can have a positive impact on various tissues and organs throughout the body.

Here’s how to harness the beetroot benefits to reduce oxidative damage; 

1. Regular consumption: Incorporate beetroot into your diet on a regular basis. Enjoy it raw in salads, cooked in soups or stews, or as a juice. Aim for at least 1-2 servings of beetroot per week.
2. Balance and moderation: While beetroot is beneficial, it’s important to consume it as part of a well-balanced diet. Maintain a balanced intake of other nutrients and practice moderation in your overall dietary choices.
3. Healthy lifestyle: Incorporate other healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular physical activity, stress management, sufficient sleep, and not smoking, as these factors also contribute to reducing oxidative damage.

Beetroot Helps To Keep The Digestive System Healthy

Health Benefits of Beetroot: Beetroot can help keep the digestive system healthy due to several factors:

• Fibre Content: Beetroot is rich in dietary fibre, which aids in maintaining regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Fibre also supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy gut microbiome.
• Digestive enzymes: Beetroot contains enzymes that assist in the breakdown and digestion of food, supporting the digestive process and nutrient absorption.
• Hydration: With its high water content, beetroot benefits the maintenance of healthy digestion, since it has a high amount of water content. 
• Liver support: Beetroot contains antioxidants and nutrients that support liver health. A healthy liver is important for proper digestion and detoxification processes in the body.

Here’s how to harness the beetroot benefits to enhance digestion; 

1. High-fibre meals: Beetroot is rich in dietary fibre, which promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. Pair beetroot with other fibre-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to enhance digestive health.
2. Hydration: Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day to support proper digestion. Staying hydrated helps soften stools and facilitates smooth movement through the digestive tract. 
3. Pair with digestive-friendly foods: Combine beetroot with other foods that support digestion, such as ginger, lemon, mint, and probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt. These ingredients can aid in digestion and contribute to a healthy gut environment.

Beetroot Helps To Exercise For A Longer Time

Health Benefits of Beetroot: Beetroot can help you exercise for a longer time because it contains a compound called nitrate. When you eat beetroot or drink beetroot juice, nitrate gets converted into nitric oxide in your body. Nitric oxide helps widen your blood vessels, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach your muscles. This means your muscles can work harder and for a longer duration before getting tired. So, consuming beetroot benefits the capacity to exercise for a longer time.

Here’s how to harness the beetroot benefits so that you can exercise for longer; 

1. Consume beetroot or beetroot juice to increase nitric oxide levels.
2. Incorporate beetroot or beetroot juice into your pre-workout routine to improve exercise endurance.
3. Enjoy beetroot benefits as part of a balanced diet to enhance your stamina-boosting properties of the body during physical activity.

Beetroot May Help In Weight Loss

Health Benefits of Beetroot: You can add Beetroot and other fruits for weight loss which may aid in weight loss due to its low-calorie content, high-fibre content, and hydration properties. Being low in calories, beetroot can help satisfy hunger without adding excessive calories to your diet.

Here’s how to harness the beetroot benefits to lose weight; 

1. Include beetroot and other vegetables like carrots to prepare your own Weight loss drinks. Replace sugary beverages with beetroot juice to stay hydrated while consuming fewer calories. 
2. Regular physical activity: Combine beetroot consumption with regular exercise to maximize weight loss benefits. Beetroot’s potential to enhance exercise performance and endurance can aid in calorie burning and support your fitness goals. Other than beetroot, you may need to add other vegetables for weight loss to your diet plan. 

Beetroot Helps To Strengthen Bones

Beetroot Benefits: It may help strengthen bones due to several reasons:

• Calcium content: Beetroot contains a fair amount of calcium, which is an essential mineral for maintaining strong and healthy bones. 
• Magnesium content: Beetroot is a source of magnesium, another mineral important for bone health. Magnesium helps regulate calcium metabolism and contributes to the structural integrity of bones.
• Antioxidant activity: Beetroot’s antioxidants, such as betalains and vitamin C, may help protect bones from oxidative stress and damage. This protection can promote bone health and reduce the risk of conditions like osteoporosis.

Here’s how to harness the beetroot benefits to improve your bone health; 

1. Pair beetroot with calcium-rich foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified plant-based milk to enhance its bone-strengthening effects. 
2. Weight-bearing exercises: Engage in weight-bearing exercises such as walking, running, dancing, or weightlifting. These activities help stimulate bone growth and strengthen bones. Combining regular exercise with beetroot consumption can have a positive impact on bone health.

Beetroot Helps In Keeping A Healthy Pregnancy

Beetroot Benefits: Beetroot can contribute to a healthy pregnancy due to several reasons:

• Folate content: Beetroot is a good source of folate, a crucial nutrient for fetal development. Folate plays a vital role in the formation of the baby’s neural tube and helps prevent certain birth defects.
• Iron and vitamin C: It contains iron, which is essential for the production of red blood cells and the prevention of iron deficiency anaemia during pregnancy. Hence, beetroot benefits blood absorption in the body. 
• Hydration and nutrient intake: Beetroot’s high water content aids in hydration, which is crucial during pregnancy. Staying hydrated supports the transportation of nutrients to the developing baby and helps maintain amniotic fluid levels.
• Antioxidant protection: Beetroot’s antioxidants, such as betalains and vitamin C, help protect cells from oxidative stress. This protection can benefit both the mother and the developing baby.

Here’s how to harness the beetroot benefits to keep a healthy pregnancy- incorporate it into your diet to support folate intake, important for neural tube development. Pair beetroot with vitamin C-rich foods to enhance iron absorption and prevent anaemia. Beetroot’s fibre content aids digestion and its high water content supports hydration. The antioxidants in beetroot provide protection against oxidative stress. 

Uses Of Beetroot

Besides the health benefits of eating beetroot that we have covered, it is widely used for purposes as well. Here are three common uses of beetroot:

1. Juicing: Beetroot is often juiced and consumed on its own or combined with other fruits and vegetables to create nutritious and refreshing beverages. Beetroot juice is known for its rich nutritional profile and potential health benefits.
2. Natural food colouring: The intense red-purple colour of beetroot makes it a natural food colouring agent. It can be used to add colour to cakes, pastries, smoothies, sauces, and other culinary creations, providing a visually appealing touch to various dishes.
3. Pickles: Beetroot can be pickled by soaking it in a solution of vinegar, spices, and other flavourings. Pickled beetroot is a popular condiment or accompaniment to salads, sandwiches, and cold cuts.

These are just a few examples of how beetroot is commonly used, showcasing its versatility in culinary applications and potential for enhancing both the taste and visual appeal of various dishes.

How To Eat Beetroot?

Beetroot can be enjoyed in several ways. Here are a few options for incorporating beetroot into your diet:

• Raw and fresh in salads 
• Boiled and peeled 
• Juices or Smooth 
• Pickles
• Add it as a flavour or binding agent in puris, parathas and more.

Who should eat beetroot?

Beetroot can be enjoyed by a wide range of individuals as part of a balanced diet. It is a nutritious vegetable that provides various health benefits. It can be enjoyed by the General population, pregnant women, and Individuals looking to improve heart health. 

When is the best time to eat and get the most beetroot benefits? 

The best time to eat beetroot and get the most benefits is to include it as part of a balanced meal or snack. Consuming beetroot with a source of vitamin C or iron-rich foods can enhance its nutrient absorption. Enjoying beetroot before a workout can potentially maximize its performance-enhancing effects.

Some Facts About Beetroot

Other than the beetroot benefits, let us look at the interesting facts about beetroot; 

• Used as a colouring agent: Beetroot may be used for other things besides eating greens and roots. This includes beetroot wine, beetroot crisps, and colouring for pasta. A pleasant wine and domestic ale can be brewed from Mangolds.
• In Alcohols: They contain a considerable amount of alcohol when distilled. Sugar from sugar beets is also used to make “rum” and a rectified spirit and vodka.
• It also helps to leave the skin on while cooking beets to hold in the red pigments. Pickled beets are popular, not only because they taste good, but the pigment stabilizes in acidic conditions (such as vinegar) and the beets retain their bright red colour.
• Historical medicinal uses: Throughout history, beetroot has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including treating digestion issues, supporting liver health, and promoting detoxification.
• Edible leaves: While the root is commonly consumed, beetroot leaves, also known as beet greens, are edible and highly nutritious. They can be cooked or eaten raw in salads, providing an additional source of vitamins and minerals.
• Sugar content: Despite its natural sweetness, beetroot is relatively low in calories and sugar compared to other sweet vegetables and fruits, making it a healthier option for those watching their sugar intake.

Side Effects Of Beetroot

While beetroot is generally safe for consumption, there are a few potential side effects to be aware of:

1. Beeturia: Some individuals may experience beeturia, a harmless condition in which urine and sometimes stools turn reddish or pinkish after consuming beetroot. This discolouration is due to the presence of pigments called betalains and is not a cause for concern.

2. Oxalate content: Beetroot contains oxalates, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones in susceptible individuals. Those with a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones may need to limit or monitor their beetroot intake.

3. Allergic reactions: Although rare, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to beetroot. Symptoms may include itching, rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any allergic symptoms after consuming beetroot, discontinue its use and seek medical attention.

4. Interference with medications: Beetroot, particularly in concentrated forms like supplements or extracts, may interact with certain medications, including blood pressure medications, anticoagulants, and calcium channel blockers. If you take any medications, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before significantly increasing your beetroot consumption.

It’s important to note that these side effects are generally uncommon and vary from person to person. Most individuals can enjoy beetroot as part of a balanced diet without experiencing any adverse effects. If you have any concerns or specific health conditions, it’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

FAQs

Is it OK to eat beetroot every day?

Eating beetroot every day can be part of a healthy diet. Always listen to your body and change the intake of beetroot if your body reacts to it in a negative manner. 

What are the 10 benefits of beetroot?

Here are the 10 beetroot benefits;

• Improved blood pressure management
• Enhanced exercise performance and endurance
• Support for liver health and detoxification
• Potential anti-cancer properties
• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Enhanced digestion and regular bowel movements
• Support for brain health and cognitive function
• Antioxidant protection against oxidative stress
• Contribution to weight management and satiety
• Nutrient-rich composition, including vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre.

Who should not take beetroot?

People with Kidney problems, specific medications and if allergic to beetroot should not consume or take any form of beetroot. 

Does beetroot increase Haemoglobin fast?

One of the many Beetroot benefits is its high iron content, which is important for haemoglobin production. Consuming beetroot can help increase iron intake, but its immediate impact on haemoglobin levels may vary among individuals.

Is beetroot safe for everyone?

Beetroot is generally safe for consumption for most individuals.