Chapter 1 Introduction

Beet (Beta vulgaris) also called beetroot or garden beet , one of the four cultivated form of the
plant Beta vulgaris of (amaranthaceae)grown fir its edible leaves and taproot .Beetroots are
frequently roasted or boiled and served as a side dish

Kingdom-Plantae

Order- Caryophyllales

Family –Chenopopdiaceae

Genus –Beta

Figure1: Beta vulgaris

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family. It has bright crimson colour.
Beetroot is commonly known as beet, chard, spinach beet, sea beet, garden beet, white beet
and Chukander (in Hindi).

It has very medicinal properties which give some positive effect on the human body. Beetroot
can be eaten raw, boiled, steamed and roasted. Red beetroot is a rich source of minerals
(magnesium, manganese, sodium, potassium, iron, copper) (Mathangi, 2019) [14]. The
beetroot has different medicinal properties and help to protect against heart disease and certain
cancers (colon cancer) (Kavalcova et al., 2015). Beetroot are rich in other valuable compound
such as glycine, betaine (De Zwart et al.) Saponins (Atamanova et al., ) betacyanin (Patkai et
al.) carotenoids (Dias et al., ) , folates, betanins, polyphenols and flavonoids (Vali et al.) .
Beetroot contributes to consumer’s health and wellbeing because it has antioxidant property
due to the presence of nitrogen pigment betalain. Beetroot are also known for its antimicrobial
and antiviral effects (Strack et al.) and it can also inhibit the cell proliferation of human tumor
cells Reddy et al.,) . Beetroot is one of the natural food which boosts the energy as it has one
of the highest nitrates and sugar contents plant (Yadav et)Beetroot makes an excellent dietary
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Chapter 1 Introduction

supplement as it is not only rich in minerals, vitamins and nutrients but it also has unique
Phytochemical compounds (carotenoids, phenolic acids, ascorbic acid) which have many
medicinal uses. Several parts of this plant are used as antioxidant, antidepressant, antimicrobial,
antifungal, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and carminative. (Yadav et al.) . The beetroot is an
alkaline food with a pH 7.5-8 and it contains significant amount of vitamin C, vitamin B1,B2,
niacin, B6, B12 and its leaves are excellent source of vitamin A. The beetroot juice can also be
consumed as a natural remedy to expel kidney and bladder.

1. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF BEETROOT

2. Table 1: Nutritional value of beetroot

MASS 180gm
LENGTH 16.25cm
SHAPE round
DIAMETER 5.43cm values compostion values

EDIBLE 91.03% Carbohydrates 9.96gm Vitamin B 0.06mg

CONTENT
WASTE 8.07%
INDEX
sugars 7-76gm folate 80mg
Fat 0.18gm calcium 16mg
Protien 1.68gm iron 0.79mg

Additionally we added one more sample mint

MINT –Mentha (also known as mint )- The cultivation of the mint originated from the Brazil
and China . The genus has a sub cosmopolitan distribution across Europe, Brazil, China, Asia,
Australia .Widely used species in India is Mentha pipertia

Kingdom – Plantae

Order-Lamiales

Family –Lamiaceae

Subfamily –Nepetoideae

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Chapter 1 Introduction

Genus –Mentha

Peppermint or mentha piperta is a common herb .The oil of peppermint has been used for
various purposes Peppermint oil has a fresh, sharp, menthol smell, is clear to pale yellow in
colour and watery in viscosity. India is world’s largest producer and exporter of mint oil. Mint
oil and its constituents and derivatives are used in food, pharmaceutical and perfumery and
flavouring industry. Its main constituent, menthol, is used in the manufacture of lozenges,
toothpastes, pain balms, cold balms, Dabur Pudina Hara, etc. The basic raw material for mint
oil is leaves of a plant Mentha arvensis. The oil is used for treating certain stomach disorders
like indigestion, gas problem, acidity, etc. It is the main ingredient of ayurvedic medicines like
Daburs ‘Pudina Hara’. The oil is a natural source of menthol, which is the main ingredient of
cough drops and ointments like Vicks Vaporub, etc. The capsules were found beneficial in
reducing total procedure time, reducing colonic spasm, increasing endoscopist satisfaction and
decreasing pain in patients during colonoscopy. Peppermint is taken internally as a tea, tincture,
oil, or extract, and applied externally as a rub or liniment. It’s often used in paediatric patients
for treating abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea and symptomatic relief of and
belongs to the mint family Lamiaceaeas shown in Fig. 1. Due to its strong anti-oxidant and
anti-microbial properties, and the presence of active constituents, it plays a vital role in building
up the immune system and enhancing appetite

Table 2: Numerous antiviral characteristics of mint

EXTRACTS VIRUS CITATIONS

Essential oil HSV-1 Reichling et al. (2009);

Edris (2007) Shaaban et al.
(2012)
Aqueous Semliki Forest Singh et al. (2015)

Alcohol Influenza A virus Kunnuunnumakkara et al.

HSV (2009) HSV Reichling et al.
(2008) (10makkara et al.)
(2009)
Aqueous Newcastle disease virus and Arora et al. (2010)
VACV

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Chapter 1 Introduction

2.1.UTILIZATION OF MINT

Mint in Indian cooking: For the majority of culinary applications, spearmint is the
recommended kind. Mint can be utilised as fresh leaves, paste, or dried form. It is frequently
used in Indian cuisine in chutneys, relishes, salads, sauces, biryanis, and lassi—a refreshing
drink from the north of the country. Mint is a popular herb to serve with lamb. It also works
well as a garnish for desserts and pairs well with yoghurt, iced tea, lemonade, fruits, and a wide
range of drinks.

Nutritional value of mint: According to the nutritional information for spearmint, or mint as
it is more popularly known, it can also offer a good dosage of balanced nourishment. Among
other nutrients, two tablespoons of mint provide 1.5 mg of vitamin C, 0.4 grams of protein, 0.9
grammes of carbs, 0.8 grammes of dietary fibre, 22.4 mg of calcium, 6.8 mg of phosphorus,
and 51.5 mg of potassium.

2.2.Health benefits of Mint leaves

Good for digestion:

Mint leaves are renowned for being a fantastic appetiser. By encouraging digestive enzymes,
it supports the digestive system. Mint oil has antiseptic and antibacterial characteristics that
help to treat stomach infections, indigestion, and other conditions. Because methanol is present,
it has antispasmodic properties.A typical digestive system disorder is irritable bowel syndrome.
It may result in indigestion, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach pain. A change in
diet is the primary and most effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, however some
research have suggested that mint oil may also be beneficial.Helps in respiratory
issues:Menthol, a substance found in mint oil, has calming effects on the muscles of the
gastrointestinal tract.

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