Beet juice contains antioxidants, electrolytes, and other compounds that may help support heart and brain health, among other benefits.
The beet is a bulbous, sweet root vegetable that most people love or hate. It’s not new on the block, but it’s risen to superfood status over the last decade.
Research shows that drinking beet juice, or beetroot juice, may benefit your health. Here’s how.
Beet juice may help lower your blood pressure. A
Nitrates are compounds in beet juice that convert into nitric oxide in the blood and help widen and relax blood vessels.
Drinking beet juice may increase plasma nitrate levels and boost physical performance.
A
- increasing performance in time trials
- increasing the amount of time to reach exhaustion
- improve cardiorespiratory performance
However, the researchers also noted that combining beetroot juice with caffeine may reduce the benefits, though more research is needed.
The results of a
The researchers noted that participants’ aerobic exercise endurance improved by 24%.
Straight beet juice is low in calories and has virtually no fat. It’s a great option for your morning smoothie. As you start your day, it’ll give you a nutrient and energy boost.
But note that it is high in natural sugars.
Beets get their rich color from betalains, which are water-soluble antioxidants. It
Betalains and other antioxidants may help find and destroy free radicals or unstable molecules in the body, which, in large numbers, can promote inflammation and increase the risk of cancer.
However, the authors of the review note that additional research is needed, particularly to see if beetroot juice may interact with chemotherapy and other medications.
Beets are a good source of potassium, which is a mineral and electrolyte that helps nerves and muscles function properly. Drinking beet juice in moderation can help keep your potassium levels optimal.
If potassium levels get too low, fatigue, weakness, and muscle cramps can occur. Very low potassium may lead to life threatening abnormal heart rhythms.
Having potassium levels that are too high can result in similar symptoms and be life threatening.
People with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease may need to follow a low-potassium diet, so consult a healthcare professional before regularly consuming beet juice.
Your body can’t function properly without essential minerals. Some minerals boost your immune system, while others support healthy bones and teeth.
Besides potassium, beet juice
- iron
- magnesium
- manganese
- sodium
- zinc
- copper
- selenium
Folate is a B vitamin that helps prevent neural tube defects, such as spinal bifida and anencephaly. It may also decrease your risk of having a premature birth.
Beet juice is a good source of folate. If you’re pregnant, adding folate to your diet can help you get the daily recommended
The antioxidant betaine potentially helps prevent or reduce fatty deposits in the liver, according to
Fatty deposits in the liver can lead to a condition known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease due to:
- a less nutritious diet
- excessive alcohol consumption
- exposure to toxic substances
- sedentary lifestyle
If you have high cholesterol, consider adding beet juice to your diet.
The betanin in beetroot juice
A
Researchers believe beetroot’s cholesterol-lowering potential is likely due to its phytonutrients, such as flavonoids.
Your urine and stools may turn red or pinkish after eating beets. This condition, known as beeturia, is harmless. However, it may be startling if you don’t expect it.
If you have low blood pressure, drinking beet juice regularly may increase the risk of your pressure dropping too low. Monitor your blood pressure carefully.
If you’re prone to calcium oxalate kidney stones, you may need to avoid beet juice. Beets are
Do beets really lower your blood pressure?
Yes, the nitrates in beets can significantly lower your blood pressure.
While both
Is it OK to drink beet juice every day?
Beet juice can provide beneficial nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Drinking it regularly may help support your health, reduce inflammation, and increase your exercise stamina, among other benefits.
Is there a downside to drinking beet juice?
A 2020 study found that beetroot juice has high concentrations of nitrate, which the body converts to nitric oxide after drinking. Nitric oxide has a variety of functions in the body, including reducing blood pressure and increasing oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles and organs.
Potential downsides stem from increasing your nitrate intake above the daily recommended level. This could stimulate the formation of N-nitroso compounds known to be carcinogenic and may cause other adverse effects.
However, researchers noted that the amount of research on the negative effects of beetroot juice is limited, and more needs to be done for an accurate risk assessment.
Does beet juice detox your body?
Your body naturally detoxifies without a specific diet, such as beetroot juice. Your kidney, liver, digestive system, and other organs typically work together to remove toxins.
However, beet juice contains beneficial nutrients that may support your overall health along with a balanced diet.
What is beet juice good for?
Beet juice is an excellent source of potassium and essential minerals like iron and manganese.
Drinking beet juice consistently may help:
- lower blood pressure
- reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol
- improve exercise stamina
- improve muscle strength in people with heart failure
- you maintain a healthy weight
- prevent or reduce fatty deposits from forming in your liver
- support overall health during chemotherapy
Beets are nutritious no matter how you prepare them.
If you don’t like beet juice straight up, add some apple slices, mint, citrus, or a carrot to cut through the earthy taste.
If you add beet juice to your diet, take it easy at first. Start by juicing half a small beet and see how your body responds. As your body adjusts, you can drink more.
