Beet juice contains a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Learn about 6 potential health benefits of drinking beet juice every day
Beet juice, or beetroot juice, contains a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which may benefit your health. Over the years, beetroot has earned a place in the list of superfoods and consists of 88% water, 10% carbohydrates, 2% protein, and less than 1% fat.
Beet is linked to the improvement of a variety of conditions, especially for anemia. While there are no official guidelines on recommended daily intake, a cup of beet juice a day is typically harmless. According to a study, daily intake of 8.4 ounces of juice lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
6 health benefits of drinking beet juice
- Good source of nutrition: Beets are good sources of nutrients, including:
- Improving blood pressure: Studies suggest that beetroot can help lower blood pressure due to its nitrate content. Large quantities of nitrates get converted into nitric oxide, which dilates the blood vessels and decreases overall blood pressure. Nitrates help maintain the inner lining of the blood vessels.
- Preventing anemia: Beets are rich in iron, a mineral necessary for the transport of oxygen in the body. Deficiency of iron can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which can cause symptoms such as:
- Improved athletic performance: Nitrates and betalains (which give beets their red color) in beetroot may boost athletic performance. According to a 2017 systematic review, beets can increase blood flow and oxygen to the muscles and improve exercise efficiency in athletes.
- Anti-inflammatory: Studies suggest that the betalain compounds in beets may act as antioxidants and fight inflammation. These properties prevent cellular damage and lower the risk of developing inflammatory conditions, such as heart disease and cancer.
- Supports your liver: Antioxidants vitamin A, vitamin B-6, and iron help protect your liver from oxidative stress and support your liver’s ability to remove toxins from your body.
What are the side effects of drinking beet juice every day?
Although beet juice is safe for most people, it may cause the following side effects:
- Red or pinkish urine: Drinking beet juice every day can cause your urine to red or pinkish. However, this does not indicate a medical problem. Once you stop eating beets, your urine color will return to normal.
- Low blood pressure: Beet juice can help lower high blood pressure. Therefore, if you have low blood pressure, drinking beet juice may increase your symptoms.
- Increased risk of kidney stones: Beet juice is high in compounds called oxalates. These naturally occurring compounds in urine can increase the risk of kidney stones if you have a tendency to develop them.
- Beetroot allergy: Though allergy to beetroot is rare, some people have reported developing asthma, red or itchy eyes, and stuffy nose when eating beets or inhaling the vapors of cooked beets.