Assessment of the nutritional and phytochemical composition in Beta vulgaris bulb, stalk and leaves powder

Beta vulgaris L. (beetroot), belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family, ranks among the top ten vegetables with the highest antioxidant content. It has unique phytochemicals that provide numerous therapeutic advantages. This study utilised freeze-dried beetroot leaves, stalks and bulbs powder, intending to comparatively assess their proximate and mineral content, phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity and heavy metal content. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test and Student’s t- test at 95% confidence level. The Coefficient of variation (CV%) was also calculated. All data was presented as mean±standard deviation. freeze-dried beetroot leaves powder had the highest protein (27.33±0.02%), total phenol 10.058 ± 0.037 mg/g FW,: CV = 0.37%), total carotenoid (13.642 ± 0.144μg/mL: CV= 1.05%), β-carotenoids (4.593 ± 0.161 μg/ml: CV= 3.51%), vitamin C (40.41±0.34 mgAAE/100g), calcium (15,364±80 mg/kg) and magnesium 3,744±48 mg/kg, while the stalk showed the greatest moisture (7.19±0.09%), fibre (18.54±0.15%), iron (54.9 ± 3.1) 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: CV 0.00%), phosphorus (5,710±65.4 mg/kg) and sodium (88.8±3.2 mg/kg). Phytochemicals such as flavonoids and cardiac glycosides were present in all the parts. Freeze-dried beetroot leaves, stalk and bulb powders had varied nutritional and phytochemical contents with undetectable lead, cadmium, and mercury levels. This study's results indicate that beetroots should be consumed whole to maximize their nutritional benefits for optimal health. The findings underscore the need for the development of functional foods and nutraceutical products that utilize the whole beetroot plant to enhance nutritional value and economic potential.