Evaluation of morphological parameters and bioactive compounds in different varieties of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L. ssp. esculenta GURKE var. rubra L.)

Red beet can increase not only the stamina, but also it helps to improve the carrying capacity of muscles. Moreover, it contains high amount of antioxidants and water-soluble fibre which makes it more important for us (Bailey et al., 2009). The beetroot accumulates many nutrients. As the red beet contains mineral silica, it helps the body to utilise calcium, which is important for the health of human musculoskeletal system and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Furthermore, it makes the connective tissue, the skin and the wall of blood vessels stronger and it detoxifies the human body from the harmful substances (Hyun et al., 2009; Green, 2011). Known to be as a natural organic food colouring (ice cream, yoghurt, sausage) which means that the red pigments can be used for replace the carcinogenic artificial food dye with sign E123. The betanin is a red food dye obtained from beets and as a food additive, its E number is E162 (Takácsné Hájos, 2009). Many studies had to be done in the past decades to realize again how important this plant is for us. First of all, Ferenczi (1970) demonstrated that the red betanin which is obtained from the beet has an anticarcinogenic effect on patients with cancer. Researchers proved this effect which is owing to the lactic acid content of fermented products from red beet and vitamins C and E. Betanin is one of the most important antioxidants from beetroot which can help to reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, in turn protecting artery walls and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke (Samman, 2003). Beetroot juice can help reduce blood pressure because of the high content of nitrates in beetroot produce a gas called nitric oxide in the blood which widens blood vessels and lowers blood pressure (Kapil et al., 2010; Green, 2011). A daily dose of 250 ml of beetroot juice or 1 to 2 cooked beetroot (approx. 100 g) can help dramatically reduce blood pressure and its associated risks. Furthermore, a recent study by Wake Forest University in North Carolina, USA showed that the high content of nitrates with folic acid in beetroot may also help to fight the progression of dementia and to protect against Alzheimer’s disease (Presley et al., 2011; Green, 2011). Evaluation of morphological parameters and bioactive compounds in different varieties of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L. ssp. esculenta GURKE var. rubra L.)