Beet, also known as beta vulgaris, is a root vegetable which is purplish-red in color. The early civilizations of coastal Europe and Africa initially grew the plant for its leafy tops. It was ultimately cultivated into a root vegetable. Beets have a vast variety which can include chard, sugar beets and spinach beets. Sugar beets can be made into table sugar. Like many vegetables, beets comprise of phytoestrogen, which has effects similar to those of estrogen on our body.

What Is Estrogen?

Estrogen refers to the group of steroid hormones that result in the growth and maintenance of female characteristics of the body.  Estrogen is found in both men and women; the role in men is however still not clear but in women, it is responsible for the growth and development of sexual organs and reproduction. To be more specific, estrogen helps the uterine lining to grow in the first part of the menstrual cycle, reduces hot flashes and helps in keeping the mood swings normal. Females also notice the changes in breasts during the periods of adolescence and pregnancy. It also plays a vital role in regulation other metabolic processes, helps in lowering the heart disease and helps in the prevention of osteoporosis. 

Is There Any Estrogen In Beets?

Beets contain Phytoestrogens which are estrogen-like hormones found in plants. They have properties similar to that of estrogen. Estrogen is highly important but an excess can be harmful and cause various health problems of too much estrogen such as breast cancer. Those individuals with a high breast cancer should avoid over consumption of foods rich in estrogen, including beets. 

Should I Avoid Beets?

Most definitely not – provided you do not suffer from a likelihood of breast cancer. As mentioned before, a diet high in estrogen may up the chances of breast cancer in individuals with a known tendency towards it. However, if not, then beets make an excellent addition to anyone’s  diet, thanks to the numerous health benefits this sweet vegetable has to offer.

Nutritional Importance and Benefits of Beets

Beets are a very nutritious and healthy vegetable, with their essential vitamins and minerals. They have high iron content and have minerals like phosphorus, sodium, calcium and magnesium. Beets lie in the category of ‘fiber-foods’ and are a rich source of folic acid, vitamin A and C and Niacin. They contain no transfats or saturated fats and are low in calories. Beets have excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and are also famous for their detox abilities.