Also called beet, the beetroot is a firm, clean globe shaped vegetable with no soft wet areas. If still attached, it should have fresh, clean young leaves. The beetroot is characterised by dark purple skin and a distinctive purple flesh.
In pre-Christian times, the leaves of the beetroot were only eaten. Today, the root is used more often than the leaves since it stays fresher longer. Some beetroots are cultivated for distilling and the sugar industry. They are used as a vegetable and as food colouring.
Varieties:
Below is a list of several commonly available varieties. Generally 55 to 65 days from germination to harvest of the root. All varieties can be harvested earlier for use as greens.
Bull's Blood, heirloom
Golden Beet/Burpee's Golden, heirloom
Chioggia, heirloom
Detroit Dark Red Medium Top, heirloom
Early Wonder, heirloom
Perfected Detroit, 1934 AAS winner
Red Ace Hybrid
Ruby Queen, 1957 AAS winner
Touchstone Gold
Preventative uses:
Additionally, several preliminary studies on both rats and humans have shown betaine may protect against liver disease, particularly the buildup of fatty deposits in the liver caused by alcohol abuse, protein deficiency, or diabetes, among other causes.Beetroot juice has been shown to lower blood pressure and thus help prevent cardiovascular problems. Contrary to the popular belief beetroot does not possess any blood cleansing properties but is a good source of antioxidants. Research published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension showed drinking 500 ml of beetroot juice led to a reduction in blood pressure within one hour. The reduction was more pronounced after three to four hours, and was measurable up to 24 hours after drinking the juice. The effect is attributed to the high nitrate content of the beetroot. The study correlated high nitrate concentrations in the blood following ingestion of the beetroot juice and the drop in blood pressure. Dietary nitrate, such as that found in the beetroot, is thought to be a source for the biological messenger nitric oxide, which is used by the endothelium to signal smooth muscle, triggering it to relax. This induces vasodilation and increased blood flow. Other studies have found the positive effects beetroot juice can have on human exercise and performances. In studies conducted by Exeter University, scientists found cyclists who drank a half-litre of beetroot juice several hours before setting off were able to ride up to 20% longer than those who drank a placebo blackcurrant juice.
Health Benefits:
· A healthy food, beetroot is a rich source of natural sugar and contains sodium, potassium, phosphorus, chlorine, iodine, iron and various important vitamins.
· The high fibre content of the beetroot acts as a bulk residue, and helps improve bowel movement and prevents constipation.
· Naturally rich in pigments and vitamins which have antioxidant properties, beetroot helps prevent cancer.
· The water in which beetroots have been boiled proves effective for the treatment of boils, inflammation and even for skin breakouts like pimples.
· It has positive effects on digestion. Intake of fresh beet juice mixed with a tablespoonful of honey every morning before breakfast helps heal gastric ulcers.
· Research has linked the consumption of beetroot juice with lowering of blood pressure due to the high content of nitrates.
· A decoction of beets mixed with a little vinegar can be used externally to cleanse scurf or dandruff from the head. To combat dandruff, mix some grated ginger or ginger juice into the beet water and massage into the scalp every night.
