Beetroot Nutritional Benefits

Beetroot and Swiss Chard belong to the same family. Beets have a lovely rich red color from pigments called anthocyanins. It is water soluble and cannot be destroyed by heat. Since ancient times, this vegetable has been used for medicinal purposes that contain many healing properties. The beetroot nutritional benefits range from aiding anemia by building red blood cells to aiding digestion and helping the gall bladder and liver function. When beet juice is mixed with carrot juice, this combination provides the body with enough minerals to encourage the healing process.

Beetroots are a great anti-oxidant
Rich in fibre and micronutrients
Rich in Iron and Calcium
Contain Vitamin A, Vitamin B-complex and Vitamin C, Iron and Magnesium
Regulates blood pressure
Keep bowel movements regular
Helps to detoxify the body
Clears the gall bladder, liver and kidneys
Beet greens are best used for juicing

How to Grow Beetroot for maximum nutritional benefits

The seeds, much like Chard's, are best planted directly in the place you want them to grow.
It's important to keep the soil moist around the seedlings.
In five to eight days after planting them, you will see the little leaves of the beetroot appear from beneath the soil.
They will shoot upwards and after about two and a half months, you should see the bulb beginning to form.
You can push the soil up around the beetroot bulb, as this will allow it to become larger.
This is called ridging.
Be sure to give maturing roots space in which to grow without crowding them.

Companion Planting with beetroot

Companions

They have many companions and these include: Beans, Lettuce, Garlic, Onions, Kohlrabi and Cabbage.

Antagonists

Beetroot is not fond of growing near Mustard.

Tips on Harvesting and Cooking Beetroot

Harvest when the root is firm and swollen. It will usually be sticking out of the ground.
The bulbs should be scrubbed well till all the soil is removed.
The beetroot leaves can be used either when they are young or mature.
The leaves must be washed thoroughly and chopped then cooked.
The bulbs can be cut into fries, steamed or used fresh.
Beetroot juice is a very healthy and cleansing drink. When juicing beetroots, be sure not to overdose.
Start by using half a juiced beetroot per week. Build up your consumption to one per week.

Recipe using Beetroot
Beetroot Salad

Beetroot (2-3 large ones)
4 large Carrots
1 Pineapple peeled and diced

Grate the beetroot and carrots; add the pineapple and you have a tasty salad.
Simple and nutritious - serve with fresh bread.

This vegetable is extremely simple to integrate into our diet; it's so easily available in stores or just easy to grow. But the best reason to eat beetroot is for the beetroot nutritional benefits that assist in good health.

Author's Bio

Jeannine Davidoff is a mother, artist, writer, organic gardener, permaculture consultant, yoga teacher, freelance journalist living in Scottburgh, South Africa. My 21st century focus is on communicating knowledge and sharing my art. I have a blog that shows my collection of growing art, poetry and writings. I have a companion planting blog that describes individual plants,how they grow, their companion plants and antagonists, their herbal uses and nutiritional value.
In a series of articles, I'll explain How to Start an Organic Garden in 5 Important Steps. How to intergrate Organic Gardening with Companion Planting. What organic means and the benefits of having an organic garden companion planting.