Beetroot has been gaining in popularity as a superfood. Recent studies claim that beets and beetroot juice can improve athletic performance, reduce blood pressure, and increase blood flow.
So much so that an increasing number of juices and drinks are now incorporating this nutritious food.
Beetroot comes from the same family as sugar beets. However, it is genetically and nutritionally different. Sugar beets are white, and manufacturers tend to use them for extracting sugar and sweetening processed foods. It is not possible to extract sugar from beetroot, which is mostly red or gold.
This article is part of a collection of articles on the health benefits of popular foods. In this article, we look at the powerful health benefits of beetroot and its dense nutritional content.
Benefits
Beetroot provides a wide range of possible health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure, improving digestion, and lowering the risk of diabetes.
The sections below discuss these potential benefits in more detail.
Heart health and blood pressure
Diabetes
Exercise and athletic performance
Cancer prevention
Nutrition
Digestion and regularity
Diet
People can roast, steam, boil, or pickle beets. They can also eat them raw.
The following tips can help people gain the nutritional benefits of beets in tasty ways:
Make beetroot juice by peeling beetroot and blending it with a combination of fresh orange, mint, pineapple or apples, lemon, and ginger. People can strain it afterward for a smoother texture. Remember that adding other juices or fruits could increase the sugar content of the juice.
Grate or slice raw beets and add them to coleslaw or a salad.
Top roasted beets with goat’s cheese for a flavorful pairing.
Slice raw beets and serve them with lemon juice and a sprinkle of chili powder.
When choosing a beetroot, make sure that it is heavy for its size and does not have signs of surface damage. If a beet still has its green tops, they should look fresh and not wilted. These are also edible and have significant nutritional value.
To store beets for several days, refrigerate them in a tightly sealed bag.
Risks
Drinking beetroot juice can lead to red, purple, or pink urine or stools. Although this may seem alarming, it should not be a cause for medical concern. Doctors refer to this as “beeturia.”
People prone to oxalate-type kidney stones should be careful not to consume too much of the beet tops.
Also, those with gastrointestinal issues or irritable bowel syndrome may experience stomach upset after consuming beetroot juice.
Beets are very nutritious. However, people should consider their overall eating pattern when looking at the effects of their diet on health. For good health, it is better to eat a diet that includes a wide range of food and nutrients.
