Beet Root

History:

Beets are technically hardy biennials, but several species are treated as annuals by cultivators. It has large, thick, red-veined leaves and an enlarged, edible root that varies in size, and the plant may grow as high as four feet. The parent of all Beets, the wild Sea Beet, from which the most important varieties have been developed, are believed to have originated on the coastlines of Western Asia, the Mediterranean countries, and throughout Europe and Britain. The leaves were eaten as a vegetable, but the small, unappetizing roots, prior to cultivation techniques, were used primarily for therapeutic purposes by ancient Greeks and Romans. It is difficult to date the exact use of the Beet, because, unlike seeds that may be found in archaeological sites, the root and leaves decay over time, but references of 300 B.C., claim that the Greeks cultivated the plant for its medicinal value and for its edible roots. Beet Root was so appreciated by the ancients that it was recorded as an offering on silver to the Greek god, Apollo, in his temple at Delphi; and Aphrodite is said to have eaten Beets to retain her beauty. Beet Root's botanical genus, Beta, is derived the second letter in the Greek alphabet, beta, which the root is said to resemble. The Beet has a deep taproot and grows best in loose, loamy, surface soil that is neutral-to-alkaline. The loose soil allows the plant to produce well-shaped roots. The familiar, rounded variety, which has become popular, wasn't developed until around the sixteenth century. Beets are classified according to use. The red variety, which was pioneered in Britain, is dominant, but golden and white Beet Roots are also grown on a smaller scale. Some other varieties of the genus include the spinach Beet (sometimes called Swiss chard), which is stewed and quite equal in taste to spinach; the sugar Beet is grown for its sugar; the mangel wurzel is a large, coarse Beet used for cattle fodder; and the foliage Beet is simply decorative. Additional members of the genus include chioggia, orach, quinoa and samphire. In the Middle Ages, no meal was considered complete without a soup made from the leaves of Beets, but more importantly, Beet Root was a vital therapeutic aid. The esteemed seventeenth-century English herbalist, Nicholas Culpeper, recommended Beet Root for its cleansing and digestive qualities. In addition, he prescribed it for liver obstructions, spleen, headache, running sores, ulcers, scabs, dandruff and other skin ailments. Today, aside from its extraordinary value in alternative health, Beet Root is also used extensively in Scandinavian, eastern European and Russian cuisines (iron-rich Russian Beet soup is called borscht). Beet Root has a higher sugar content than most vegetables, and some of the other active constituents in Beet Root include fiber, proteins, fats, organic acids, complex carbohydrates of starches, gum, beta carotene, saponiside, phosphorus, sodium, sulfur, iodine potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, calcium, folic acid, many B-vitamins and vitamins C and A. The red color in the Beet Root is not derived from carotenes, but from anthocyanin, the water-soluble, red betaine pigments, called betacyanin and betaxanthin.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) to three (3) capsules, one (1) time each day with water at a morning or midday meal.

Contraindications:
Currently, there are no known warnings or contraindications with the use of Beet Root Herbal Supplement. Consumption of large quantities of Beets can make both urine and stools turn red, which is harmless and should not be mistaken for blood. Diabetics should consult with their doctors before taking Beet Root.

Capsule Information:
Our Beet Root supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.