Plant Description:

Beetroot is an herbaceous plant with leafy stems growing 1-2 meters tall. The leaves are heart shaped. It bares tiny flowers produced in dense spikes with 5 petals and are wind pollinated. The root is dark red/plum in color and round like a turnip or onion.

Health Benefits of Beets:

Beets are low in calories and are delicious and nutritious. They taste great in salads and smoothies and are full of vitamins and minerals and high in folate and manganese. The leaves contain vitamin C and antioxidants.
Beets have been used to aid in the treatment of constipation, fevers, infections and the improvement of red blood cells. They are also being used to aid in lowering blood pressure levels, thus improving heart conditions. Drinking less than 300 mL of beetroot juice a day will help lower blood pressure levels.
The body is not easily able to break down this pigment so it is excreted in the urine turning it the color pink.

• Use as a Colorant: Beets contain a pigment called betanin. It is strong and stains just about anything, which makes it a great natural food dye. Depending upon the plant, it can give colors from yellows, reds to deep purple. Beetroot powder is a great natural colorant for soaps and cosmetics as well.

WARNING:

This article is for informational purpose only. Beetroot is not a treatment for any disease or condition. It is generally safe when consumed internally or used on the skin or hair, but to ensure safety, it is best to do an allergy test. Consult your doctor before using for medical purposes.

Bibliography:

1. McVeigh, Sof. Treat Yourself Natural: Over 50 Easy-to-Make Homemade Remedies Gathered from Nature. , 2013. 82.