Do not ignore this root!

We have all seen our mothers and grandmothers talk about the all important root – beetroot. Here are some reasons you should include them into your diet: 

Helps reduce blood pressure: According to the British Heart foundation, eating vegetables rich in nitrates could help reduce blood pressure drastically. 

Prevents plaque formation and reduces:bad cholestrol. Betacyanin is the compound that gives beetroot its purplish-red colour and is also a powerful antioxidant. It helps reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and does not allow it to deposit on the walls of the artery. This protects the heart from potential heart atatcks and stroke reducing the need for medication.

Is great for pregnant women: Another amazing quality of the root is that it has an abundant supply of folic acid. Folic acid is important for pregnant mums and unborn babies because it is an essential component for the proper formation of the unborn child’s spinal cord. Beetroot also gives mums-to-be that extra energy boost required during pregnancy.

Beats osteoporosis: Beetroot is packed with mineral silica, an important component for the body to use calcium efficiently. Since calcium makes up our bones and teeth, having a glass of beetroot juice a day could help keep conditions such as osteoporosis and brittle bone disease at bay.

 Keeps diabetes under check: For all you diabetics out there, fulfil your sweet craving with a little beetroot.

Helps relieve fatigue:  Because the root is a rich source of iron, it helps in improving a person’s stamina. Whatever the source, a pick-me-up at the end of a tiring day can be just what one needs.

Protects you from cancer:  It was found that betacyanin helped slow the growth of tumours by 12.5 percent in patients with breast and prostate cancer.  This effect not only helps in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers but it also helps cancer survivors remain cancer-free longer.

Beats constipation and keeps the stomach healthy: Because of its high soluble fibrecontent beetroot is a great laxative. It cleanses the colon and clears out the stomach helping in regularising one’s bowel movements.