MUMBAI: Beetroot has been gaining in popularity as a superfood. Recent studies claim that beets and beetroot juice can improve athletic performance, reduce blood pressure, and increase blood flow. So much so that an increasing number of juices and drinks are now incorporating this nutritious food.
Beetroot comes from the same family as sugar beets. However, it is genetically and nutritionally different. Sugar beets are white, and manufacturers tend to use them for extracting sugar and sweetening processed foods. It is not possible to extract sugar from beetroot, which is mostly red or gold.
Beetroot provides a wide range of possible health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure, improving digestion, and lowering the risk of diabetes.
Beets contain an antioxidant called alpha-lipoic acid. This compound may help lower glucose levels and increase insulin sensitivity.
One cup of beetroot provides 3.81 grams of fiber. Consuming enough fiber is essential for smooth digestion and gut health.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a single cup of beets can provide more than 8.81% of a person's daily requirement of fiber, depending on their age and sex.
Including beetroot in the diet is one way that a person can increase their fiber intake.
Some studies have found that beetroot juice supplementation can improve the amount of oxygen that muscles absorb during exercise.
Drinking beetroot juice can lead to red, purple, or pink urine or stools. Although this may seem alarming, it should not be a cause for medical concern. Doctors refer to this as "beeturia." People prone to oxalate-type kidney stones should be careful not to consume too much of the beet tops. (Agencies)
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