Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) as a Nutritional Strategy for Metabolic Disorders: Effects on Lipid Metabolism and Body Weight

Background: Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a functional food rich in nitrates, betalains, and flavonoids with antioxidant and hypolipidemic properties. While widely recognized for cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits, its effect on body weight, lipid regulation, and oxidative balance under toxicant exposure remains underexplored. Methods: This randomized controlled study evaluated the effects of B. vulgaris methanolic extract on body weight, lipid profile, and oxidative stress markers in Wistar rats (80–110 g). Animals were divided into eight groups, receiving distilled water, lead acetate (25 mg/kg), or varying doses of B. vulgaris extract (100, 150, 200 mg/kg) alone or combined with lead for 28 days. Serum lipid profile (TC, TG, HDL, LDL, VLDL) and oxidative biomarkers (GSH, SOD, MDA) were analyzed using standard spectrophotometric assays. Results: Lead exposure disrupted lipid metabolism, lowering TC and LDL, and increased oxidative stress. B. vulgaris supplementation significantly reduced TC, LDL, and MDA, while enhancing GSH and SOD (p ≤ 0.05). Higher doses promoted weight gain, with the combined 200 mg/kg B. vulgaris + lead group showing the most pronounced protective effects. Conclusion: Beta vulgaris demonstrated dose-dependent hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and growth-promoting effects, suggesting therapeutic potential against metabolic disturbances and heavy metal toxicity.