Over the past decade, numerous skincare and makeup brands have emerged and flooded the beauty industry. While some may really benefit us, we often fall for the marketing gimmicks and end up spending tons of money on over-hyped products. Sometimes all we need to do is peep in our refrigerator and we will find goodness sitting inside. Fruits and vegetables not only contain nutritional value that benefit our health, but are also vital for our skin and hair. One such underrated vegetable is beetroot. This root vegetable is a great source of fibre, folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, phosphorous, iron and vitamin C. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help in treating skin and hair ailments. Below we will discuss beetroots benefits for skin, beetroot juice benefits and how you can integrate this vegetable in your skincare and haircare routine.
Beetroot Benefits Basics
The vibrant red vegetable is packed with nutritious goodness. Beetroot benefits our health as it increases stamina and blood flow, reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke, boosts immune system by improving digestion and lowers blood pressure. Beetroot can be consumed raw, cooked, as beetroot juice or even as beetroot powder. Beetroot powder benefits the skin and hair by preparing pastes and masks to incorporate in the beauty routine.
Beetroot Benefits for Skin
Just like watermelon, beetroot is also high in water content. It consists of 87% water, so you can imagine how hydrating this vegetable is for our skin. Beetroot is also rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that is important for our immunity and skin health. Below we will discuss the benefits of eating beetroot and benefits of drinking beetroot juice.
1. Fights Acne
Beetroot or beetroot juice benefits our skin as it can help in reducing acne scars, wrinkles and dark spots. Beet is a rich source of vitamin C that helps reduce excess oils in the skin and may help prevent breakouts and acne. Beetroots are a good source of pigments known as betalains. Betalains consists of betacyanins, and the betacyanin in beetroot is betanin which gives beet its deep red colour. Betanins are said to have anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, the vegetable soothes the inflammation and itching around the pimples.
Drinking a glass of beetroot juice every day will help flush out the toxins from the body and help in purifying the blood, hence reducing the chances of acne. You can consume beetroot juice as is or add a little carrot or cucumber to it. You can also prepare yummy beetroot and carrot juice. Beetroot and carrot juice benefits skin immensely as it cleanses out toxins, repairs damaged skin cells and promotes growth of the new ones. You can also make a beetroot and yoghurt paste and use it as a mask. The mask will dry out the acne or pimples without leaving any scars.
2. Makes the skin glow
Since consuming beetroot helps purifying the blood by removing toxins, it leaves our skin looking plump, healthy and glowing. Vitamin C in beetroot protects the skin from early signs of aging. The iron content in beetroot also revives the damaged cells from within, giving an instant glow to the dull skin. Beetroot also lightens the skin tone as it removes dead skin cells and dirt from the top surface of the skin. Vitamin C also decreases melanin formation and treats hyperpigmentation. You can apply beetroot juice and lemon juice mixture to your face. Keep it for 15 minutes and rinse it off. Lemon and beet both help in removing dry and dead skin cells. You can also get a fresh and radiant glow everyday with Lakme Absolute Perfect Radiance Brightening Light Crème.
3. Brightens Lips
If you have hyperpigmentation on your lips, due to excess coffee consumption or smoking or your lips are dry and flaky and losing their moisture, beetroot is the solution. Applying beetroot juice on your lips leaves a natural reddish, giving your pout a flush of rosy colour. You can also use beet as an exfoliator. Mix grated beet with sugar and exfoliate your lips for about five minutes. This will leave your lips soft and luscious. Beetroot has bleaching properties and helps in lightening the lip colour. Apply a frozen slice of beetroot on your lips for a natural pink tint.
4. Keep skin nourished & hydrated
Beetroot consists 87% water which makes it highly hydrating for the skin. Since beetroot is readily available during winters, it can be incorporated in your skincare routine to fight dryness and for a boost of hydration. If you suffer from dry skin, make a beetroot mask using beetroot juice, honey and milk for a moisturising effect. High levels of folate and antioxidants helps in preventing wrinkles and delays the appearance of fine lines. Consuming a glass of beetroot juice also improves the elasticity of the skin.
Beetroot Benefits for Hair
Our hair goes through daily damage due to pollution, lifestyle stress, hair-coloured treatments or excess heat, and more. To bring back life to our hair and retain the moisture loss which leads to dry, brittle and frizzy hair, beetroot works wonders for damaged hair. The superfood is highly recommended to be included in your haircare routine. Since it is all natural, there are no side-effects of using beetroot for a healthy scalp and hair growth. Below we will discuss beetroot benefits for hair.
1. Prevents hair loss
Hair loss is caused due to mineral deficiency. Rich in potassium, iron and electrolytes, beetroot helps repair limp hair and reduces the chances of breakage. Massaging the hair with beetroot juice increases blood circulation and open the pores. The juice enriches hair follicles and keeps them strong hence reducing hair fall.
2. Treats Dandruff
Dandruff is caused due to fungal infection or dry scalp. Anti-inflammatory and enzymatic properties in beet reduce flaking and eliminates dandruff. You can mix vinegar or neem water with beetroot juice and apply it on the scalp. Wash it off with your shampoo.
3. Relieves itchy scalp
Since beetroot has anti-inflammatory properties, it can curb scalp inflammation and facilitate effective functioning of the hair follicles. Scalp inflammation can result in stunted and poor hair growth. Cut a slice of beetroot and rub it on your scalp. The juice will remove dead skin cells. Leave it on for 15 minutes to get rid of dandruff and itch-free scalp.
4. Promotes hair growth
If your hair is prone to extreme dryness, especially in winters, beetroot can help in improving your hair health. Due to high level of iron, electrolytes and potassium in beetroot, it can repair flat, lifeless hair that are prone to damage. Make a hair mask using beetroot juice and some ground coffee. Mix both together and apply it as a hair mask. Leave it for an hour and rinse it thoroughly.
Consuming beetroot benefits for men as well. Hair thinning and balding is also common among men. Application of beetroot juice on scalp can also be beneficial for men. Although, beetroot is tolerated well by everyone, as it is rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals, some are allergic to it too. Always watch out for side effects before consuming anything in excess.
FAQs about Beetroot Benefits for Skin (and Hair)
Q1 Does beetroot change hair colour?
A. Yes, beetroot can be used as a natural dye to add temporary wine-red tint to your hair. You can mix half cup of carrot juice with a half cup of beetroot juice. Pour the solution over your hair and rub the solution over the strands slowly. Let it sit for an hour or two before rinsing it off. You can repeat the process a couple of times depending on how deep red colour you want to achieve. It is advised to do this process in a bathroom as beetroot can stain almost everything.
Q2 How much beetroot can you eat a day?
A. Consuming one cup of beetroot daily is sufficient. Although, eating too much could increase your risk of kidney stones because of their high oxalate content.
Q3 What are the side effects of beetroot?
A. If you have a history of kidney stones, adding beetroot in your diet will aggravate the stones. Some people are also allergic to beetroots. Also, people with low blood pressure are advised to reduce intake of beetroot.
