are beets harmful
Drinking beet juice may help to lower blood pressure in a matter of hours. One study found that drinking one glass of beet juice lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of 4-5 points. The benefit likely comes from the naturally occurring nitrates in beets, which are converted into nitric oxide in your body. Consumption of beets can cause urine to become red or pink in color. This conditioncalled beeturiais not considered harmful. About 5-15% of U.S. adults are estimated to experience beeturia following consumption of beets in everyday amounts. There has been some confusion about the nutritional value of beets in terms of their lutein/zeaxanthin content. (Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoid phytonutrients that play an important role in health, and especially eye health.) Beet greens are usually a valuable source of lutein/zeaxanthin. Beets have been grown for food since ancient times. Both the leaves and the root are edible. Beets' most distinguishing characteristic is their bright red pigment, sometimes used as a dye. They are a good source of folate and a moderate source of iron, potassium, vitamin C and fiber. Consuming beets is generally safe, without major side effects. Story at-a-glance 1  -. Beet roots contain valuable nutrients that may help lower your blood pressure, fight cancer and inflammation, boost your stamina, and support detoxification. 2  Beet greens are equally, if not more, nutritious with nutrients that may strengthen your immune system, support brain and bone health, and more. Beets fall into this category, and they are often used as a side dish or ingredient in a specialty salad. From a macronutrient standpoint, beets are fat-free and contain more carbs than protein. If you are trying to introduce good carbs into your diet, beets are a safe bet. Competitive athletes need even more. Beets do not contain a high amount of carbs per serving. An entire cup only has 13 grams. This does not mean beets are bad for you, but they are not a good source of energy. The amount of carbs in a serving represents only 10 percent of the daily recommendation. What's New and Beneficial About Beets. 1  Beets are a unique source of phytonutrients called betalains. Betanin and vulgaxanthin are the two best-studied betalains from beets, and both have been shown to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification support. Beet roots contain valuable nutrients that may help lower your blood pressure, fight cancer and inflammation, boost your stamina, and support detoxification. Beet greens are equally, if not more, nutritious with nutrients that may strengthen your immune system, support brain and bone health, and more. Beets taste sweet, but a cup of cooked beet contains only 60 calories and is full of fiber. This is a perfect food for weight management. The sugars in beets are smart carbs, since they come in a natural whole food form. Unlike white sugar, the beet calories come with a lot of nutrients and phytochemicals. 2. Brain and Energy Boost. Beets are high in natural nitrates, which are converted to nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is known to expand the walls of blood vessels so you can enjoy more oxygen, more nutrients, and more energy. Studies have shown nitric oxide to increase the efficiency of the mitochondria (your energy powerhouses).
No,Drinking beet juice may help to lower blood pressure in a matter of hours.