Beta vulgaris (Chenopodiaceae) is generally known as beet root or garden beet. It is native to Mediterranean region. It is widely cultivated in America, Europe and throughout India. Beet root is most commonly dark red in colour, however it also come in hues ranging from white to yellow to a “candy cane” red and white variety known as Chioggia. It is used in Indian traditional system of medicine, specifically for the treatment of fertility, cancer, hypertension and urinary tract disorders. It makes a wonderful dietary supplement being not only rich in nutrients, minerals, amino acids and vitamins but also has unique phyto-constituents, which have numerous medicinal properties such as anti-oxidant, anti-depressant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and expectorant. It is an excellent food in pregnancy as it is helpful in the growth of foetus. It is one of the natural food, which boosts the energy in athletes. It is used as natural food colour in dairy and meat products. Moreover; various parts of the plant are used as home remedies to cure health problems. Traditionally, beet root was consumed as food. It is now being recognized as a functional food. Overall objective of this review article is to give a brief knowledge about the nutritional value, synonyms, phyto-chemicals composition, pharmacological actions and medicinal properties of Beetroot.
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