Benefit-focused & punchy - "Beetroot: The Red Root That Powers Your Blood, Brain & Energy"

There is one vegetable plant we are all familiar with but it has kept appearing more in my kitchen hence the need to make this publication on it. We cannot overemphasize its importance to humans as we continue to consume from it. But let's always create moderation in all we do for nutrient optimization.

Beta Vulgaris commonly known as Beetroot is a taproot plant from the beet plant withc similarities with that of the sugar beet. It comes with a deep red-purple coloration edible for human consumption. Most people who consume this plant usually have stains of its colour on their tongue.

Though there are other varieties that are of the golden and white colours, they are commonly found as red-purple in this part of the world. One fantastic thing about it is that , it can be consumed in its raw state, cooked, juiced, or powdered. I have largely taken this root plant in its raw state after washing it off thoroughly.

Beetroot is an embodiment of healthy nutrients that are beneficial to the human body. It is a plant that comes with almost no fat content. A standardized amount of fibre and water is available in it. The nutritional value of Beetroot is the attraction for its consumption. Let's list some of the nutritional values of the beetroot plant;

1. Calories
2. Carbs
3. Folate
4. Potassium
5. Manganese
6. Nitrates
7. Betalains

From the nutritional list captured for this plant above, they are essentially the best needed for our body system. In 100g of beetroot consumed comes about 47kcal calories which represents a low energy density, with about 10g (1%) of carbs available in it suggesting a 70 to 30% of sugar and fibre availability.

Pregnant women need folate, which can be found in this plant. This nutrient is essential for DNA and overall wellness during pregnancy. Then blood pressure patients tend to regulate their BP through the presence of potassium in this plant. About 325 mg of potassium is enough availability of this plant. The manganese and betalains are great antioxidants also present in this plant. Not forgetting is the nitric oxide that helps relax the blood pressure. This is a full-blown remedy for blood pressure control in BP patients.

Consuming beetroot helps in Brain blood flow in humans. Some investigations suggested an improved reaction time to stimuli and cognition in adults. This also sees a better performance during exercise as the nitric oxide helps with the oxygen movement.

As this plant comes with a lot of benefits, we must be aware of the side effects. Overconsumption of beetroot may cause the following:

1. Causes urine coloration. Though harmless at this point, it still suggests that the individual is not breaking down betalains properly.

2. Causes Kidney Stones. High consumption of beetroot increases the chances of high calcium oxalate stones, especially in those prone to them due to the high oxalate presence.

3. Blood pressure Medication. Those already on blood pressure meds should endeavour to check their consumption to avoid dropping below manageable levels.

4. Stains syndrome. This plant stains everything that comes in contact with it due to the red-purple coloration. Both hands that touched it, the mouth (especially the tongue), cutting boards, and clothes.

	Beetroot Plant - 1000 NGN (14 Steem Value)

This plant can be used in different forms.

1. Fresh in its raw stage. This is where I've enjoyed the fluffy and tender nature of this plant. Sweet and easy to swallow.
2. Pre-cooked. This can be vacuum-packed which also makes it ready to eat.
3. Juiced. Though I've not tasted it, I've seen where it was prepared. When blended, it has that blood-like coloration.
4. Others like powdered and in capsules.

While buying beetroot plants from the market, let's ensure to get those that are still firm and with a deep colour. The smaller-sized plants are sweeter and more tender while consuming them.

Thanks, Friends for reading...