Beetroot is a root vegetable that is loaded with multiple nutrients and widely used in various dishes such as salads, juices, and soups. It contains fiber, folate, minerals, antioxidants, and nitrates to give numerous health benefits. However, large consumption or concentrated forms of beetroot in the form of juice may not be suitable for everyone.
To avoid risks while adding beetroot to your diet, it is important that one is aware of some drawbacks.
Common Side Effects of Beetroot
Most people can eat beetroot in their diet with no harm. However, for some people, there may be some digestive problems, especially after consuming beetroot in large amounts. Among these effects, one can find:
Bloating and gas
Abdominal discomfort or cramps
Loose stools or diarrhea
Nausea
Heartburn
Headache or dizziness
Beetroot may change the color of urine and stools into pink, red, or reddish-purple, which is not dangerous but may be confused with blood in urine or stool in some cases.
Can Beetroot Affect Blood Pressure?
Beetroot is well-known for containing a large amount of nitrates, intake of which uniformly increases the amount of nitric oxide in the body, thus dilating blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.
People consuming beetroot need to be on guard when suffering from low blood pressure or following medications lowering blood pressure because excessive amounts of beetroot consumption can lead to extremely low blood pressure. Signs of having low blood pressure should be reported, such as feeling dizzy or faint.
Beetroot and Kidney Stones
In particular, beetroot contains oxalate, which can contribute to calcium oxalate stone formation in predisposed individuals. People with past stones made from oxalates may have to limit their consumption of beetroot.
Not everybody needs to avoid eating beetroot, but people who have suffered from kidney stones before need to contact a nutritionist or a doctor.
Digestive Effects
The fiber and carbohydrates in beetroot can cause some discomfort. People who are not used to a fiber-rich diet may experience gassiness, bloating, and changes in defecation.
Consumption of small portions of beetroot at first may help to ensure better comfort.
Who Should Be More Careful?
Specific individuals may require further dietary guidance. Individuals with a history of kidney stones, kidney illness, low blood pressure, or those taking medication affecting blood pressure should seek medical assistance before consuming beetroot in large amounts or using concentrated beetroot products.
In general, beetroot can be included in the diet of pregnant women; however, a diet should be personalized. Pregnant women should speak to a medical professional if they want to consume beetroot in large amounts or take concentrated beetroot supplements.
Beetroot Juice vs. Whole Beetroot
The type in which the beetroot is eaten can affect its effect. Whole beetroot is filling and is typically eaten in lesser amounts, while the juice will give you a higher concentration of nitrates and other ingredients in one drink.
If the consumption of beetroot juice leads to negative digestive effects or dizziness, one might want to either lower the dose or switch to eating boiled beetroot.
How to Consume Beets
The best way to do it is to start slowly. One should introduce beetroot gradually, drink enough water, and eat various vegetables in moderation instead of relying only on one resource.
When one has serious digestive issues, dizziness, signs of food allergy, or any other unusual symptom after swallowing beets, one should cease consuming them and seek medical assistance.
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