New Delhi, October 16 (IANS). Beetroot is not just a simple looking red colored vegetable, but is a treasure trove of nutritional and medicinal properties. In Ayurveda, it has been called ‘blood enhancing medicine’ because it is very effective in removing anemia.
Its taste is slightly sweet and its nature is cool, due to which it balances Pitta dosha and purifies the blood. Beetroot is a rich source of iron, folate, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C and fiber, which provides complete nutrition to the body. The betaine present in it is a powerful antioxidant, which helps in removing toxic elements from the body.
Regular consumption of beetroot not only increases hemoglobin but also controls blood pressure and keeps the heart healthy. The nitrates present in it enter the body and form nitric oxide, which widens the blood vessels and reduces blood pressure.
It cleanses the liver, strengthens the heart muscle and helps in keeping the skin young. Due to low calories and high fiber it is also helpful in weight loss. Apart from this, beetroot maintains hormonal balance during menstruation and provides relief from pain and fatigue.
It can be used in many ways in Ayurvedic home remedies, like mixing the juice of beetroot, carrot and amla makes an excellent blood enhancing tonic. The juice of beetroot, lemon and mint purifies the liver, while consumption of beetroot and honey removes fatigue instantly. Applying beetroot juice on the skin reduces blemishes and wrinkles, while applying it on the hair reduces the problem of dandruff and hair fall.
The special thing is that in ancient Rome it was called love root and NASA considers it space food. However, do not consume more than 100-150 grams of it in a day, because consuming it in excess can cause gas or flatulence.
–IANS
PIS/ABM
