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ABSTRACT
B: Beta vulgaris L. (beetroot), belonging to the Amaranthaceae family, is considered a vegetable with very high antioxidant content. It contains unique phytochemicals that provide numerous therapeutic advantages. METHOD: This study utilized freeze-dried beetroot leaf, stalk, and bulb powder to comparatively assess their proximate and mineral content, phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and heavy metal content using standard methods. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple comparison test and Student's t-test at a 95% confidence level. All data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS: Freeze-dried beetroot leaf powder had the highest protein (27.33 ± 0.02%), total phenol (10.058 ± 0.037 mg GAE/g), total carotenoid (13.64 ± 0.144 μg/mL), β-carotene (4.59 ± 0.161 μg/mL), vitamin C (40.41 ± 0.34 mg AAE/100g), calcium (15.36 ± 0.80 mg/kg), and magnesium (3,744 ± 48 mg/kg). The stalk showed the greatest moisture (7.19 ± 0.09%), fiber (18.54 ± 0.15%), iron (54.9 ± 3.1 mg/kg), and potassium (76,362.7 ± 283.9 mg/kg). The bulb powder was rich in carbohydrates (66.56 ± 0.12%), total flavonoids (0.042 ± 0.000 mg/g FW), phosphorus (5,710 ± 65.4 mg/kg), and sodium (88.8 ± 3.2 mg/kg). Phytochemicals such as flavonoids and cardiac glycosides were detected in all parts. Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury) were below detectable levels. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the nutritional benefits of beetroot are distributed across the entire plant, supporting the concept of whole consumption for optimal health. The findings underscore the potential for developing functional foods and nutraceuticals that utilize the whole beetroot plant to enhance nutritional value and economic potential.
Key Words: Antioxidant activity, Proximate composition, Heavy metals, Phytochemicals, Beta vulgaris, Freeze-drying.