Beet Root

Beetroot (**_Beta vulgaris_**), also known as the red beet, table beet, or garden beet, is a versatile root vegetable renowned for its intense, earthy-sweet flavour and striking crimson-purple colour. * **Nutritional Powerhouse:** Beetroot is an excellent source of essential nutrients, including **folate (Vitamin B9)**, **manganese**, **potassium**, **iron**, and **Vitamin C**. * **Health Benefits:** It is widely celebrated as a **superfood** due to its high concentration of beneficial plant compounds. * **Lowers Blood Pressure:** It's naturally rich in **nitrates**, which the body converts to nitric oxide. This compound helps relax and dilate blood vessels, leading to lower blood pressure and improved heart health. * **Boosts Performance:** The nitrates in beetroot have been shown to improve oxygen use and increase stamina, making it popular among athletes for enhancing exercise performance. * **Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory:** It contains powerful pigments called **betalains**, which provide its vivid colour and possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially offering protection against certain chronic diseases. * **Digestive Health:** Its high fibre content supports healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. * **Culinary Uses:** Both the root and the leafy greens are edible. The root is consumed raw (in salads), boiled, steamed, roasted, or juiced. It is also used commercially as a **natural food colourant** (betanin).