Beetroot juice or beetroot juice has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. This red juice is considered a superfood as it is rich in minerals and antioxidants that can boost your immunity. It is also rich in nitrates. This is good because when we consume foods rich in nitrates, our bodies convert them into nitric oxide which stimulates the production of guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
CGMP has a lot of functions in our body such as relaxing blood vessels and regulating genes. Beetroot is mostly water and contains very little fat - less than 1%. When buying beets at the grocery store, it is important to store them away from heat so as not to destroy the nutrients. Beets can be eaten raw or cooked. However, to get the most nutrients from beets, it is best to extract the juice from raw beets.
Health benefits of beetroot juice
1. Anti-inflammatory beetroot juice contains betalain and nitrates that help get rid of toxic compounds in the body, which in turn reduces inflammation.
2. Helps the Liver in the Detoxification Process Beetroot juice helps the liver in the detoxification process. It does this by stimulating liver enzymes and dissolving fats in the liver.
3. Rich in Antioxidants Beetroot juice is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help the body remove free radicals and harmful compounds.
4. Choline is high in choline and has many important benefits for our bodies ranging from mood regulation to cell membrane formation. Choline deficiency can lead to the following symptoms:
- memory loss.
- Fatigue/general feeling tired.
- Decrease in cognitive function.
- Nerve damage.
- Mood changes.
- muscle pain
5. Helps dissolve fat in the liver. Beetroot juice can help individuals with fatty liver. A study in rats showed that beetroot juice helped reduce the accumulation of hepatic fat and free fatty acids in the liver.
6. Good for Beetroot Bitterness Beet juice contains phytonutrients such as betaines and betalains that stimulate bile production and support gallbladder function. It is also good for preventing the formation of gallstones in the gallbladder.
7. Reduces excess estrogen in the liver Beetroot juice can also help regulate hormones. In the case of excess estrogen, the function of the liver is to filter out the excess estrogen, and beetroot juice helps the liver to do its job well.
8. Useful for lowering blood pressure A study found that drinking two cups of beetroot juice every day can lower blood pressure to optimal levels by improving blood circulation.
9. It reduces the risk of heart disease. Beet juice improves muscle function in people with heart disease.
10. Reduces the risk of strokes High blood pressure is a major cause of strokes. The nitrates in beet juice are converted into nitric oxide gas, which helps dilate blood vessels and regulate blood pressure.
11. Prevents overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system Researchers recently discovered that beet juice reduces the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system can lead to vasoconstriction and high blood pressure.
12. Helps Treat Erectile Dysfunction Beets and foods rich in nitrates are beneficial for people suffering from ED. Nitric oxide helps maintain pressure in the corpus cavernosum that is required to maintain an erection.
13. Helps Fight and Prevent Cancer: One study reported that beetroot helps suppress the formation of carcinogens in the body. This is because beetroot is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids that help fight cancer.
14. Helps Enhance Athletic Performance A study in the National Library of Medicine showed that beet juice can enhance physical performance and endurance in athletes. This is because increased nitric oxide levels in the body help increase circulation and improve muscle function.
15. Helps Relieve Memory Loss/Dementia Improved circulation and blood flow to the brain means more oxygen to the brain which in turn leads to increased brain function.
16. Potassium-rich beetroot juice is a good source of potassium. When our bodies are deficient in potassium, we can experience muscle cramps and fatigue.
17. Lowers Cholesterol A study in rats showed that beetroot extract helps lower LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and increases HDL-cholesterol, which is good for you.
18. Helps prevent anemia Beetroot juice is rich in iron, which can help prevent anemia.
19. Rich in magnesium, beetroot juice can be a good source of magnesium. Magnesium deficiency can lead to the following symptoms:
- exhaustion.
- muscle spasms
- nausea.
- Anorexia.
20. Rich in manganese: Manganese deficiency can lead to stunted growth in children and premenstrual cramps and pain in women.
21. Good for the Skin Beetroot juice is good for you as it is known to prevent pimples and rashes from forming on your skin.
22. Lowers blood sugar According to a study, drinking even half a cup of beetroot juice can help lower sugar levels after meals.
Drink it in moderation
You can drink 8.4 ounces, or 2 cups, of this red juice each day. A study showed that drinking this amount daily helps lower blood pressure. Although beetroot juice helps with a lot of health benefits, you should not drink too much of it.
There are potential side effects that can arise from this ranging from a harmless case of beeturia to an increased risk of kidney stones. Another way to get the same health benefits from beets without having to make juice is to use beet powder or beet supplements.
Side effects of drinking too much beetroot juice
1. It can lead to a buildup of metal ions in the liver, which can damage it.
2. Beet juice is rich in calcium oxalate, which increases the risk of kidney stones.
3. It can make your urine turn red (Beeturia).
4 It can trigger allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
5. It can lead to abdominal cramps in people with sensitive stomachs.
6. It can aggravate IBS symptoms like bloating.
7. It can lead to low calcium levels. Beet juice is high in oxalate, which binds to calcium, making it difficult for the body to absorb this mineral. Calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis and fatigue.
Who should avoid beetroot juice?
- pregnant women.
- People prone to kidney stones.
- People with beet allergy.
- People with sensitive stomachs.
- People with irritable bowel syndrome.
- People with a low metabolism.
- People who take blood pressure medications.
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