Is Beet Juice Healthy To Drink?

Beet juice is a popular health drink that has many potential health benefits. It's made from the root of the beet plant, and it's known for its deep red colour and slightly sweet taste. Beet juice is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and drinking it may provide many health benefits. Here, we look at the potential health benefits of drinking beet juice, as well as its nutritional profile, safety considerations, and how to make and enjoy it.

Nutritional Profile

Beet juice is a nutrient-dense drink that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It's particularly high in folate, potassium, and vitamin C. One cup (237 ml) of beet juice contains the following nutrients:

Calories: 66
Protein: 2 grams

Carbs: 15 grams
Fiber: 4 grams
Fat: 0 grams
Vitamin C: 16% of the RDI
Folate: 48% of the RDI
Potassium: 10% of the RDI
Magnesium: 8% of the RDI

Beet juice is also a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that can help protect your cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.

Potential Health Benefits

Drinking beet juice may provide a number of health benefits, such as:

Lowering Blood Pressure

Beet juice is high in nitrates, which may help reduce blood pressure. In fact, several studies have shown that drinking beet juice can help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with hypertension.

Improving Athletic Performance

Beet juice may be beneficial for athletes, as it's been suggested to help improve performance. This is likely due to its high nitrate content, which helps reduce oxygen consumption during exercise.

Decreasing Inflammation

Beet juice may also help reduce inflammation. This is due to its high antioxidant content, which helps fight off free radicals that can cause damage to your cells.

Supporting Brain Health

Beet juice may be beneficial for brain health. This is because it's high in nitrates, which can help increase blood flow to the brain. Additionally, its antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and protect your brain cells from damage.

Safety and Side Effects

Beet juice is generally considered safe for most people to drink. However, it may cause side effects in some, such as stomach discomfort and changes in urine or stool colour. Additionally, it's high in sugar, so people with diabetes should be mindful of their intake.

How to Make and Enjoy Beet Juice

Beet juice is easy to make at home, and it's a great way to get more beets into your diet. All you need is fresh beets, water, and a blender or juicer. Start by washing the beets and cutting off the ends. Then, add the beets to a blender or juicer and blend or juice until smooth. You can also add other ingredients, such as apples, carrots, and ginger, to give the juice a unique flavour.

Beet juice can be enjoyed alone or as part of a smoothie. It can also be used as a natural food dye for recipes, such as salads, frosting, and ice cream.

In conclusion, beet juice is a nutritious and delicious drink that may provide many potential health benefits, including lower blood pressure, improved athletic performance, decreased inflammation, and better brain health. However, it may cause side effects in some and is high in sugar, so it's important to be mindful of your intake.