Beetroot: A multifunctional food with significant health benefits

The beetroot, particularly its betalains (betanin) and nitrates, has recently garnered attention for its potent biological activities. Historically used as a food additive, beetroot is now recognized for its ability to combat oxidative and nitrative stress, evidenced by its DPPH scavenging properties, DNA damage prevention, and LDL reduction. Additionally, it exhibits antitumor properties by inhibiting cell proliferation and angiogenesis while promoting apoptosis and autophagy.
Beetroot's nitrates play a crucial role in managing chronic diseases by lowering blood lipids, glucose, and pressure. Although its precise effects on hypertension and hyperglycemia remain under investigation, nitrate-rich beetroot is known to enhance athletic performance and reduce muscle soreness during specific exercises. This review consolidates evidence highlighting beetroot's health benefits, focusing on its antioxidative, antineoplastic, and chronic disease-modulating properties, alongside its potential as an energy supplement.
Notably, beetroot is rich in biologically active phytonutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It also contains substantial amounts of betalains, phenolics, and nitrates, which are key in treating chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. Betalains, particularly betanin, are effective antioxidants, potentially reducing the risk of various cancers and organ damage. The dietary nitrate in beetroot positively influences physiological functions and mitigates cardiovascular risks.
Despite the promising health benefits, the clinical application of beetroot is limited by the lack of extensive human trials. Current research is predominantly at the cellular and animal levels. However, the non-toxic, edible nature of beetroot suggests that clinical validation for health promotion is forthcoming. This review aims to shed light on the biological activities of beetroot's active ingredients, providing a reference for its future use in food manufacturing and healthcare.