Beetroot juice contains antioxidants, electrolytes, and other compounds that may help support heart and brain health, among other benefits.
Beetroot, a wonderful vegetable, helps maintain good cardiovascular health. It has been scientifically proven that beetroot juice helps in lowering high blood pressure and hence helps preventing cardiovascular problems. Apart from this most notable benefit, there are many other benefits of it as well, which puts it in the category of one of the healthiest juice recipes. It is a simple mix of red beetroot, apple and celery.
May help lower blood pressure
Beetroot juice may help lower your blood pressure. Nitrate from beetroot juice lowered systolic blood pressure in adults with hypertension.
Nitrates are compounds in beetroot juice that convert into nitric oxide in the blood and help widen and relax blood vessels.
May improve exercise stamina
Drinking beetroot juice may increase plasma nitrate levels and boost physical performance.
May have the following benefits:
increasing performance in time trials
increasing the amount of time to reach exhaustion
improve cardiorespiratory performance
May help you maintain a healthy weight
Straight beetroot 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.
May help reduce your risk of cancer
Beetroot get their rich colour from betalains, which are water-soluble antioxidants. 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.
May help support health while on chemotherapy
Beetroot juice has potential chemoprotective properties. This means it may help reduce side effects and damage to the body caused by chemotherapy. This can include fatigue.
Good source of potassium
Beetroot are a good source of potassium, which is a mineral and electrolyte that helps nerves and muscles function properly. Drinking beetroot 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 beetroot juice.
Good source of other minerals
Your body can’t function properly without essential minerals. Some minerals boost your immune system, while others support healthy bones and teeth.
Besides potassium, beetroot juice provides:
iron
magnesium
manganese
sodium
zinc
copper
selenium
May help support your liver
The antioxidant betaine potentially helps prevent or reduce fatty deposits in the liver. 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
May help reduce cholesterol
If you have high cholesterol, consider adding beetroot juice to your diet.
The betanin in beetroot juice may help lower LDL, or “bad” cholesterol.
Notes
Your urine and stools may turn red or pinkish after eating beetroot. This condition, known as beetrooturia, is harmless. However, it may be startling if you don’t expect it.
If you have low blood pressure, drinking beetroot juice regularly may increase the risk of your pressure dropping too low. Monitor your blood pressure carefully.
The bottom line
Beetroot are nutritious no matter how you prepare them.
If you don’t like beetroot juice straight up, add some apple slices, mint, citrus, or a carrot to cut through the earthy taste.
If you add beetroot juice to your diet, take it easy at first. Start by juicing half a small beetroot and see how your body responds. As your body adjusts, you can drink more.
Beetroot Juice Recipe
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients: |
1 small red Beetroot |
1 large Apple (or 2 small apples) |
2 Celery stalks |
1-2 Carrots |
1/2 Lemon or Lime |
1/2 inch small piece of Ginger, peeled |
Directions:
Wash all vegetables and fruits in running water and pat dry them.
Peel and cut beetroot into long slices. Cut apple into long pieces and remove the core. Peel and cut carrot into long pieces. Cut celery into long pieces.
Put glass or container under the nozzle of a juicer and turn it on.
Process all ingredients (beetroot, apple, carrot, celery, ginger) except lemon alternatively through juicer.
Squeeze the half lemon into prepared juice and stir well. Pour it into chilled serving glass and serve. Drink it immediately.
Tips and Variations:
· Choose a small and firm beetroot. Also, we used sweet apple but you can use any type of apple of your choice.
· Pure beetroot juice is very strong; always mix it with some other fruit or vegetable juice to potentially avoid any side effects.
· If you are using organic veggies and fruits, don’t peel them
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