![images.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmRkySeYPwAZz186tAAhFvC3CP1rGcvyQJpfSywFC9rDho/images.jpg)

Health is worth more than wealth and having a sound health is of great essence to our life. A good feeding habit and daily physical activity are ways to improving our health.
> Don't focus on how much you eat focus on what you eat- Food matters

The food we eat goes a long way in promoting our health status. Therefore taking foods and fruits containing vitamins and essential supplements are key to living a healthy lifestyle.

In this blog, i will be discussing a fruit that is of great value to our health.

# Beetroot (Beta vulgaris)

![images(3).jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmXNeaLWSM3B2PJJVniBjyjXsqGZcsrXrug3Tp1RZcfEFN/images(3).jpg)
![images.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmWdt65EhEm2BhZoeQVMc115AZKqWPX9kCpXUfbFKyEELd/images.jpg)

Beetroot(_Beta vulgaris_) is a root crop better known as **Beet**. It is an herbaceous perennial plant with a fibrous, swollen or fleshy fruit.
Beetroot was first used in the 19th century to treat blood related issues such as Anaemia and Thalassemias. It was also used to treat malaria.
This fleshy fruit is commonly cultivated in Netherland, Ukraine, Australia, Japan, Poland and Serbia.

# Nutritional Value

Raw Beetroot is 84-87% water, 14% carbohydrate with large fibre content. It is a rich source of folate and a moderate source of manganese. Other nutrients includes:

### Nutritional Content
* Elements Contained: Sodium- 3-4%, Potassium- 8-9%, Calcium- 2%, Iron- 6%, Magnesium- 5%, Manganese- 16%

* Carbonhydrate- 2-3%
* Dietary Fiber- 10-11%
* Proteins- 3%
* Vitamins: Vit B6- 5%, Vit C-11%, Vit A-1%

### Nutritional Advantages Of Beetroot

* Beetroot is highly rich in Manganese and thus increases fertility, Improves bone formation and also aids in the prevention of seizures.

* Beetroot contains a reasonable amount of Vit C and therefore reduces oxidative stress, improves digestion of food substances, reduces diabetes, prevents heart diseases, and controls blood pressure.

* The Iron constituent in Beetroot functions in cell growth improvement, Improves cell development and functions and prevents anaemia.

* The presence of dietary fibre in beetroots  aids digestion, the reabsorption of nutrients and prevents constipation.

*  Beetroot contains protein which helps in body building and replacement of worn out tissues

* Beetroot contains Sodium and Magnesium therefore regulates bloid pressure, regulates the function of muscles and nerves, maintain proper fluid balance , improves nerve impulse function, and improves cardiac function

* Beetroot is a good control of diabetes since it contains alpha-lipoic acid(an antioxidant) which helps to increase **insulin secretion**, and **insulin sensitivity** which decreases plasma glucose volume thereby preventing oxidative stress and reducing the release of peroxides.

### Consumption 

Beetroots can be consumed in differnt ways such as; Roasting, Boiling or Steaming or used in the preparation of juice. It can also be prepared in taken in in form of salads.

![images(2).jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmU3kLMMCphQumkf7K82uzkEMKwsnJ6AYMUzToQD9Wnv5U/images(2).jpg)

Image source:[1](https://www.google.com.ng/search?q=food+and+health&client=ms-android-gionee&prmd=inv&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwit_YHo9uvVAhUJmrQKHY9CBpYQ_AUIESgB&biw=360&bih=560#imgrc=e12_IuJE5ULCeM:), [2](https://www.google.com/search?q=beetroot&client=firefox-b&prmd=ivns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjM2JTi9evVAhXBKlAKHYDQCdUQ_AUIBigB#mhpiv=0&spf=1503441973080), [3](https://www.google.com.ng/search?q=images+beetroot&client=ms-android-gionee&prmd=inv&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjVj9ii9evVAhUGU1AKHbosAJQQ_AUIESgB&biw=360&bih=560#imgrc=0_Fa3rG0hRC8iM:), [4](https://www.google.com/search?q=beetroot&client=firefox-b&prmd=ivns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjM2JTi9evVAhXBKlAKHYDQCdUQ_AUIBigB#mhpiv=6&spf=1503441973086)

**You can get beet at your local fruit shops**

**Stay healthy always- @harbysco cares** 
______

# Thanks for reading!!!

# This post was written by a Biochemist friend of mine that intends joining Steemit soon. Watchout for @akeenze for more health tips.