Beets are also rich in phytonutrients, which are a group of nutrients called betalains. The nutrient is known to have properties that can help combat cancer and many other illnesses. Betalains stop the digestive tract, lung, and breast cancers on their tracks by hindering free radicals. It also diminishes damage to your cells over time. 

Beets contain the phytonutrient betacyanin that causes them to turn purple. Researchers today are studying these phytonutrients because they are showing great potential to use as anti-carcinogenic treatments. Aside from working to fight chronic conditions like heart disease and obesity, betalains also have anti-inflammatory properties.