When it comes to food, most are nutritious and healthy. The biggest risk you’d probably have to deal with is a painful and full stomach from over-indulging.
With some other foods though, you have to watch your intake. So what are the good and bad effects that are present with beet consumption?
Lots of people enjoy eating raw beets. I know I do and here’s why: Cooking destroys most nutrients, especially if you extend the period the food spends on the stove.
Since you cannot eat everything raw and cooking adds the flavor to your meals, you have to strike a balance, and this is why salads are good for you.
Whether you take your raw beets in your salads, slaws, blended or juiced, there are a couple of things you need to know about taking this vegetable raw. There are the positives and the negatives.
Positive Effects of Eating Raw Beets
1. Improving your blood pressure
Just one glass of beet juice can lower your blood pressure in a couple of hours and by a few points. The nitrates in beets turn to nitric oxide in your system which then dilates your blood vessels. Better blood flow means less blood pressure for you.
2. Detoxification
Pigments present in beets help excrete toxins from your body. This is good news for your liver and your blood.
3. Packed with Nutrients
Vitamins C and B folate, fiber, manganese, and potassium have various advantages like improving your immunity, supporting your digestion, and boosting your muscle and nerve strength.
4. Providing Energy
Studies reason that the energy boost you get when you take your beet juice pre-workout is due to the lowered blood pressure. The nitric oxide formed from the beet’s nitrates will enhance your ability to handle high-intensity exercises.
Negative Effects of Eating Raw Beets
1. Low Blood Pressure
If your blood pressure is already low, then beets are not good for you because they will cause further dips in your blood pressure, and that can have dangerous effects.
2. Increased Blood Sugar
Of all vegetables, beets rank highest on the sugar content. If you have any issues with your blood sugar levels, it is advisable to avoid beets or at least talk to your doctor before including them in your diet.
3. Excessive Beet Intake
Taking your beets in high quantities may do more harm than good. Beets are rich in magnesium, copper, iron, and phosphorous. Taken in high quantities, they can accumulate in your liver and harm it along with your pancreas.
High levels of oxalate that are present in beets may lead to gout in some cases. The high levels of nitrates can also be dangerous for pregnant women and the fetus.
4. Negative reactions
Many people have various reactions to all types of food, like gluten, for example. It is also possible with beets. You may experience an allergy, which may show with hives, rashes or itchiness.
Other reactions may be gastrointestinal. So look out for any constipation, bloating, flatulence, and stomach discomforts when you include beet in your diet.
Conclusion
Like many vegetables, beets are very nutritious and healthy. However, should you notice any side effects when you take them on, don’t hesitate to cut them out of your diet. To be on the safe side, consult your doctor to decide on the levels of beets that are good for you.