*Beetroot is referred to the root of the plant Beta vulgaris, a plant in the beet family.

*It is spindle shaped and ranges in color from white to yellow to red and white to deep red to reddish purple, with the most popular being the reddish purple variety.

*They have a crunchy texture and a mildly sweet to very sweet taste.

*Some deeply colored beetroots have a strongly ‘earthy’ aroma and flavor due to the presence of a substance called geosmin.

*This root vegetable can be eaten raw, pickled, in salads, stews, soups, etc.

*Beetroot is also widely used in the production of table sugar.

*Buying and storage: Select small to medium-sized beetroots that are fresh, healthy-looking, smooth-skinned, and plump without any wrinkles, bruises, soft spots or leaking. Store them in the cupboard in a cool dry place away from heat and light. These can also be stored in the refrigerator to increase its shelf life.

Is it raw?

Yes and No.
*Yes, fresh beetroots are raw.
*No, because canned beetroots available at the supermarkets are processed and not raw.
Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. Beetroots are low in calories and carbohydrates, with absolutely no fat and cholesterol, but provides a moderate amount of proteins.

2. Good source of dietary fiber. Contrary to the popular notion, beans have more fiber than most fruits and vegetables. It is a good source of both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber.

3. Moderate source of manganese. It functions as a cofactor in various metabolic reactions involved in the efficient production of energy and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes.

4. Moderate source of Vitamin C, a natural water soluble antioxidant. It enhances the body's immune system, increases the elasticity of skin and blood vessels, and prevents bruising of the skin.

5. A very good source of folic acid, a B- group vitamin, which is very essential for proper cell division because of its role in DNA synthesis. When consumed regularly by pregnant women, it prevents birth defects like spina bifida in the fetuses.

6. Folic acid is also essential for a healthy heart. It prevents the accumulation of homocysteine, an intermediary metabolite of protein metabolism, which promotes atherosclerosis by reducing the integrity of blood vessel walls and by interfering with the formation of collagen.

7. Good source of plant sterols that have antioxidant property, which help fight against free radicals and reduce the risk of inflammatory, cardiovascular and degenerative diseases.

8. The pigment that gives beetroot its purple color is a powerful cancer-fighting agent, and is especially effective against colon cancer.