Nutrients in Beetroot

Nutrients in Beetroot
Beetroot is rich in beneficial nutrients that support various bodily functions:
• Vitamin B9 (folate): Promotes cell regeneration and is especially important during pregnancy.
• Vitamin C: Supports the immune system and skin health.
• Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart function.
• Magnesium and iron: Essential for muscle and blood health – iron helps prevent anemia.
• Fiber: Promotes intestinal function and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.
• Natural nitrates: Convert into nitric oxide in the body, which improves circulation and may lower blood pressure.
• Betalains: Powerful antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress and support liver detoxification.

Beetroot may also enhance athletic performance, as its nitrates improve oxygen delivery to muscles.

The Deep Red Hue – Where Does It Come From?
Beetroot’s iconic color comes from betalains, especially betacyanin, which gives it a deep purplish-red shade. This pigment:
• Is water-soluble, so it easily stains food – and sometimes hands and cutting boards!
• Is used as a natural dye in food and cosmetics.
• Can cause a phenomenon called beeturia, where urine or stool turns reddish – completely harmless but surprising.

Beetroot is rich in nutrients and provides 44.5 kcal (186.1 kJ) per serving. It contains only 0.1 g of fat, with no saturated or monounsaturated fat, and 0.2 g of polyunsaturated fat.

There are 8.0 g of carbohydrates, of which 7.9 g are sugars, 1.4 g of protein, and no salt.

It contains 2.5 g of fiber and organic acids.

Vitamins include, among others, vitamin A 0.6 µg, vitamin B1 0.0 mg, vitamin B2 0.1 mg, vitamin B6 0.1 mg, vitamin B12 none, vitamin C 3.0 mg, vitamin D none, vitamin E 0.1 mg, folate 150.0 µg, and niacin 0.2 mg.

Minerals and trace elements in beetroot include phosphorus 32.0 mg, iodine 1.0 µg, potassium 320.0 mg, calcium 11.0 mg, copper 0.1 mg, magnesium 15.0 mg, sodium 18.0 mg, iron 0.3 mg, selenium 10.0 µg, and zinc 0.3 mg.