Beet

It is the cultivated form of the plant Beeta vulgaris of the Goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae), one of the most important vegetables. Four different types are cultivated for four different purposes viz. 1. the garden beet or beet-root or table-beet as a garden vegetable, 2. the sugar-beet, a major source of sugar, 3. the mangel-wurzel or mangold, a succulent beet for livestock and 4. The leaf-beet or Swiss chard for its leaves which may be eaten or used as a seasoning.

The garden beet is grown for the thick, fleshy taproot that forms during the first season. In the second season, a tall branched leafy stem arises to bear cluster of minute green flowers that develop into brown corky fruits commonly called seedballs. The taproot ranges in shape from flattened oblate, though globular and somewhat conical to long tapered skin and flesh; colours are usually dark to dark-purplish red, with some nearly white.

Beet-root grows in deep, friable soils that are high in organic matter; they respond well to chemical fertilisers and manures. Beet greens, a rich source of
riboflavin, iron and vitamins A and C are frequently served in cooked form. The tops of red garden beets and the foliage of Swiss chard used as greens are
excellent sources of vitamins A and B1 and B2. Beet offers an excellent remedy for anaemia, general debility, low vitality, lassitude and nervous debility. But in India it is not good to consume beet during hot summer months as it may cause high blood pressure and insomnia. But in winter months, it may be taken to keep the body warm. It is prized as a nervine tonic. Red beet juice is highly effective in dissolving fibroid tumours.

Dr. John B. Lust has prescribed 16 ounces of raw carrot and beet juice for tumour patients. He has advised that our meals should consist of some fresh
raw fruit such as apple, grapes, pears, narangis, pineapples and shaddock. This combination of fresh fruits and the raw juices will generally provide the much needed stimulus for normal bowel movement.

Benefit and uses of Beet.

• Beetroot has long been considered beneficial to the blood, the heart, and the digestive system. It has been regarded as a laxative; a cure for bad breath, coughs and headaches; and even as an aphrodisiac.
• Beetroot is rich in many important minerals and micronutrients; it is a nutritious vegetable with many health-giving properties.
• Beetroot can be cooked and then eaten warm with butter as a delicacy; cooked and pickled and then eaten cold as a condiment; or peeled raw and shredded and then eaten as a salad.
• Used beetroot as a treatment for fevers and constipation, amongst other ailments.
• Beetroot juice has been considered an aphrodisiac. It is a rich source of the mineral boron which plays an important role in the production of human sex hormones.
• Juice of the White Beet was stated to be 'of a cleansing, digestive quality,' to open obstructions of the liver and spleen, and, 'good for the headache and swimmings therein and all affections of the brain.'
• Beet root is also found to benefit against feverish conditions, especially in growing children. Later generations found that beet root was also beneficial for a very strong specific action to regulate the digestive system.
• Combination with other juices, especially carrot and cucumber, beet juice is not only a splendid blood builder but also one of the finest therapies for sexual weakness, kidney stones, gall bladder, kidney, liver and prostate troubles.