Beetroot
Beetroot
Beetroot also known as “Chukunder” has recently gained popularity as a super-food. Roots and leaves of this plant are used to treat various disorders. Beetroot is good to manage anemia, constipation, digestion and liver diseases. It is also known to have aphrodisiac properties and helps improve sexual desire. Beetroot is also used a coloring agent in food industry[2-4].
What are the synonyms of Beetroot?
Beta vulgaris, Palanki, Chukunder, Chakunder, Sensira, Neysisa, Sensirayi, Bitpalang, Shakharkand, Bipfruit, Garden Beet, Red beet, White sugar beet, Foliage beet, Leaf beet, Spinach beet, Salaq, Silikh, Chakundar[1]
What is the source of Beetroot?
Plant Based
Benefits of Beetroot
Modern Science View
Beetroot might reduce blood pressure due to its high inorganic nitrate content. The nitrates are converted into nitric oxide that widen the blood vessels and regulate blood pressure[8][10].
Modern Science View
Beetroot might improve athletic performance due to the presence of inorganic nitrates. It reduces pulmonary oxygen uptake and increases the efficiency of high-intensity exercise[9].
Ayurvedic View
Beetroot helps to improve athletic performance due to its Guru (heavy) property. It also increases Kapha and makes the body healthy and strong. Regular intake of Beetroot enhances energy level and helps to maintain athletic performance.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 raw Beetroots.
2. Wash and cut them in pieces.
3. You can also add your favorite vegetables to it.
4. Squeeze 1/2 lemon to it.
5. Sprinkle salt to taste.
6. Have it with or before meals.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 raw Beetroots.
2. Wash and cut them in pieces.
3. You can also add your favorite vegetables to it.
4. Squeeze 1/2 lemon to it.
5. Sprinkle salt to taste.
6. Have it with or before meals.
Modern Science View
Beetroot might lower triglyceride levels in the blood. It is due to the presence of flavonoids and/or saponins[5][6].
Ayurvedic View
High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Including Beetroot in your diet helps to promote Agni (digestive) due to its Ushna (hot) potency. It also reduces Ama and helps in controlling high cholesterol level in the body.
Tip
1. Take 1-2 raw Beetroots.
2. Wash and cut them in pieces.
3. You can also add your favorite vegetables to it.
4. Squeeze 1/2 lemon to it.
5. Sprinkle salt to taste.
6. Have it with or before meals.
Tip
1. Take 1-2 raw Beetroots.
2. Wash and cut them in pieces.
3. You can also add your favorite vegetables to it.
4. Squeeze 1/2 lemon to it.
5. Sprinkle salt to taste.
6. Have it with or before meals.
Modern Science View
Beetroot might protect against liver damage and disease. Beetroot contains a chemical called Betanin that stimulates the production of antioxidant proteins in the body. These proteins protect against oxidative damage caused to the liver cells[7].
How effective is Beetroot?
Insufficient evidence
Athletic performance, High triglycerides, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Liver disease
Precautions when using Beetroot
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
It is safe to take Beetroot in food amounts. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Beetroot supplements during breastfeeding[5].
Patients with kidney disease
Important
Modern Science View
Consult your doctor while taking Beetroot if you have kidney diseases[5].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
It is safe to take Beetroot in food amounts. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Beetroot supplements during pregnancy[5].
FAQs about Beetroot precautions
Recommended Dosage of Beetroot
- Beetroot Juice - ½ -1 cup or as per your requirement.
- Beetroot Capsule - 1-2 capsule of Beetroots twice a day.
- Beetroot Powder - ½ - 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Beetroot
1. Beetroot Salad
a. Take 1-2 raw Beetroots.
b. Wash and cut them in pieces of your desired shape and size.
c. You can also add your favorite veggies to it.
d. Squeeze ½ lemon to it.
e. Sprinkle salt to taste.
f. Have it with or before meals.
2. Beetroot Juice
a. Take ½ - 1 cup of Beetroot juice.
b. Add orange or pomegranate juice to it.
c. Drink it preferably in the breakfast.
3. Beetroot Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Beetroot.
b. Swallow it with water preferably after meals twice a day.
4. Beetroot Powder
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Beetroot powder.
b. Swallow it with water or honey preferably after meals twice a day.
a. Take 1-2 raw Beetroots.
b. Wash and cut them in pieces of your desired shape and size.
c. You can also add your favorite veggies to it.
d. Squeeze ½ lemon to it.
e. Sprinkle salt to taste.
f. Have it with or before meals.
2. Beetroot Juice
a. Take ½ - 1 cup of Beetroot juice.
b. Add orange or pomegranate juice to it.
c. Drink it preferably in the breakfast.
3. Beetroot Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Beetroot.
b. Swallow it with water preferably after meals twice a day.
4. Beetroot Powder
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Beetroot powder.
b. Swallow it with water or honey preferably after meals twice a day.
Benefits of Beetroot
FAQs about Beetroot benefits
1. Anti-wrinkle
Wrinkles are due to aging, dry skin and lack of moisture. According to Ayurveda, it appears due to an aggravated Vata. Beetroot helps in controlling wrinkles due to its Vata balancing property. It also increases moisture content in the skin and control fine lines and wrinkles.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Beetroot juice or as per your requirement.
b. Add honey to it and apply evenly on the face.
c. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to control fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Anti-dandruff
As per Ayurveda, dandruff is a condition marked by flakes of dry skin on the scalp which may be attributed to an aggravated Vata and Pitta dosha. Beetroot juice has properties of balancing Vata and Pitta dosha and helps to control dandruff. Applying Beetroot juice along with coconut oil on the scalp removes excessive dryness and itching on the scalp.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Beetroot juice or as per your requirement.
b. Add coconut oil to it and apply on the scalp.
c. Let it sit for 1-2 hours.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
Wrinkles are due to aging, dry skin and lack of moisture. According to Ayurveda, it appears due to an aggravated Vata. Beetroot helps in controlling wrinkles due to its Vata balancing property. It also increases moisture content in the skin and control fine lines and wrinkles.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Beetroot juice or as per your requirement.
b. Add honey to it and apply evenly on the face.
c. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to control fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Anti-dandruff
As per Ayurveda, dandruff is a condition marked by flakes of dry skin on the scalp which may be attributed to an aggravated Vata and Pitta dosha. Beetroot juice has properties of balancing Vata and Pitta dosha and helps to control dandruff. Applying Beetroot juice along with coconut oil on the scalp removes excessive dryness and itching on the scalp.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Beetroot juice or as per your requirement.
b. Add coconut oil to it and apply on the scalp.
c. Let it sit for 1-2 hours.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
Recommended Dosage of Beetroot
- Beetroot Juice - 1-2 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Beetroot Powder - 1-2 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Beetroot Oil - 4-5 drops or as per your requirement.
How to use Beetroot
1. Beetroot Juice
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of juice of Beetroot or leaves.
b.Add honey to it and apply evenly on the face.
c. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to control wrinkles and blemishes.
2. Beetroot Powder
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Beetroot powder.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Apply on the affected area.
d. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes.
e. Wash with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of swelling.
3. Beetroot Oil
a. Take 4-5 drops of Beetroot oil.
b. Add Sesame oil to it.
c. Massage evenly on the affected area.
d. Use this remedy 1-2 times a day to get rid of pain.
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of juice of Beetroot or leaves.
b.Add honey to it and apply evenly on the face.
c. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to control wrinkles and blemishes.
2. Beetroot Powder
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Beetroot powder.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Apply on the affected area.
d. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes.
e. Wash with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of swelling.
3. Beetroot Oil
a. Take 4-5 drops of Beetroot oil.
b. Add Sesame oil to it.
c. Massage evenly on the affected area.
d. Use this remedy 1-2 times a day to get rid of pain.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Eating raw Beetroot is better than eating it in the cooked form. The raw Beetroot is much sweeter in taste and has nutrients intact than the cooked one.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Beetroot can be eaten raw. But if you have a weak Agni (digestive fire), it should be taken in cooked form. This is because it takes time to digest when it is raw due to its Guru (heavy) nature.
Modern Science View
Beetroot juice can be taken on an empty stomach. It has a characteristic taste. It can be taken concentrated or by diluting it with orange or pomegranate juice.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Beetroot juice can be taken on an empty stomach after diluting with other fruit juice or water. This is because it is highly concentrated and takes time to digest due to its Guru (heavy) nature.
Modern Science View
Beetroot is a rich source of natural chemicals called nitrates. Nitrates changes into nitric oxide in the body which improves the blood flow and regulates blood pressure. Beetroot juice also helps to boost stamina.
Modern Science View
Yes. Beetroot is considered as superfood. It is rich in minerals such as potassium, betaine, magnesium, folate, vitamin C and nitrates.
Modern Science View
Yes, Beetroot contains many bioactive compounds. It may decrease the amount of blood glucose level after meals by decreasing the digestion and absorption of sugar. It may also stimulate the release of insulin[2][11][12].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Beetroot is good for diabetic patients. Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Beetroot helps remove Ama and controls aggravated Vata due to its Ushna (hot) potency. This thus helps control high blood sugar level.
Modern Science View
Yes, Beetroot may be beneficial to the thyroid gland. Lack of iodine in the body leads to decreased formation of thyroid hormone. Beetroot is rich in iodine and thereby might be useful in managing thyroid[15].
Modern Science View
Increased oxidative stress and inflammation can be responsible for obesity. Beetroot has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory property. Thus, Beetroot may be useful in the management of weight loss[16].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Beetroot is good for weight loss. Beetroot is Guru (heavy) in nature and takes time to digest. This gives a feeling of fullness and prevents overeating.
Modern Science View
Yes, Beetroot increases the production of hemoglobin and is useful in the management of iron deficiency/anemia. This is due to the abundance of iron and folic acid in Beetroot[13][14].
Modern Science View
Betalains is the functional group that is present in large amount in Beetroot. This makes the urine turn red in colour when you eat Beetroot[8].
Modern Science View
Yes, stool might turn red in colour when you eat Beetroot. This is due to the presence of “Betalains” a natural dye. This dye imparts a red colour to the stool on metabolism[8].
Ayurvedic View
No, in fact, Beetroot is a great way to prevent and treat constipation. This is due to its Rechana (laxative) property. Along with this, Beetroot is also high in fiber which adds bulk to stool and helps in easy expulsion.
Modern Science View
Yes, Beetroot may be beneficial for hair due to the presence of carotenoids. It improves the quality, thickness, shine and growth of hair[19].
Modern Science View
Yes, Beetroot has antimicrobial activity. It inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes acne and other skin infections[18].
Modern Science View
Yes, Beetroot may be useful to give a nice red tint to the hair. This is due to the presence of Betalains, a pigment that gives the natural colour[17].
Modern Science View
No, Beetroot does not cause pimples. Studies suggest that Beetroot has antimicrobial activity. It helps to control acne and pimples and clean the pores[18].
Ayurvedic View
No, in fact, the juice or paste of Beetroot and leaves is good for the skin. It helps give you a flawless skin by reducing dark spots. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property.
References
- Balkrishnan A.Chukunder.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
- Clifford T, Howatson G, West DJ, et al. The Potential Benefits of Red Beetroot Supplementation in Health and Disease.Nutrients.2015;7(4):2801–2822.
- Hamedi S, Honarvar M.Beta vulgaris - A mini review of traditional uses in Iran, phytochemistry and pharmacology.Curr Drug Discov Technol.2018;15:1.
- Miraj S.Chemistry and pharmacological effect of beta vulgaris: A systematic review. Der Pharmacia Lettre.2016;8(19):404-409.
- WebMD.Beet: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Al-Dosari M, Alqasoumi S, Ahmad M et al.Effect of beta vulgaris l. on cholesterol rich diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in rats.Farmacia.2011;59(5):669-678.
- Krajka-Kuźniak V, Paluszczak J, Szaefer H.Betanin, a Beetroot component, induces nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2-mediated expression of detoxifying/antioxidant enzymes in human liver cell lines.Br J Nutr.2013;110(12):2138-2149.
- Coles LT, Clifton PM.Effect of Beetroot juice on lowering blood pressure in free-living, disease-free adults:a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.Nutr J.2012;11(1):1-6.
- Cermak NM, Gibala MJ, Van Loon LJC.Nitrate supplementation’s improvement of 10-km time-trial performance in trained cyclists.Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab.2012;22(1):64-71.
- Lidder S, Webb AJ.Vascular effects of dietary nitrate (as found in green leafy vegetables and Beetroot) via the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway.Br J Clin Pharmacol.2013;75(3):677-696.
- Gilchrist M, Winyard PG, Fulford J et al.Dietary nitrate supplementation improves reaction time in type 2 diabetes:development and application of a novel nitrate-depleted Beetroot juice placebo.Nitric Oxide - Biol Chem.2014;40:67-74.
- Wootton-Beard PC, Brandt K, Fell D et al.Effects of a Beetroot juice with high neobetanin content on the early-phase insulin response in healthy volunteers.J Nutr Sci.2014;3:e9.
- Jaiswal A, Ganeshpurkar A, Awasthi A et al.Protective effects of Beetroot extract against phenyl hydrazine induced anemia in rats.Pharmacogn J.2014;6(5):1-4.
- Gayathri Priya N, Malarvizhi MM, Annal M et al.Beetroot juice on haemoglobin among adolescent girls.IOSR J Nurs Heal Sci.2013;2(1):9-13.
- Maheshwari RK, Parmar V, Joseph L.Latent therapeutic gains of Beetroot juice.World J Pharm Res.2013;2(4):804-820.
- Zielińska-Przyjemska M, Olejnik A, Dobrowolska-Zachwieja A et al.In vitro effects of Beetroot juice and chips on oxidative metabolism and apoptosis in neutrophils from obese individuals.Phyther Res.2009;23:49-55.
- Kapoor VP.Herbal cosmetics for skin and hair care.Nat Prod Radiance.2005;4(4):306-314. 18. Pratik MB, Ashok VG, Pranita AG.A quest of Anti-acne potential of herbal medicines for extermination of MDR Staphylococcus aureus.Int J Pharm Sci Invent.2014;3(6):12-17.
- Pratik MB, Ashok VG, Pranita AG.A quest of Anti-acne potential of herbal medicines for extermination of MDR Staphylococcus aureus.Int J Pharm Sci Invent.2014;3(6):12-17.
- Chawla H, Parle M, Sharma K et al.Beetroot:a health promoting functional food.Inventi Rapid: Nutraceuticals.2015;2016(1):1-5.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.