9 health benefits and risks of consuming beets

Beet root is believed to be a very healthy vegetable that offers a multitude of good nutrients, such as proteins, vitamins, potassium, iron, and calcium. This root vegetable with luscious red color screams good health, but not always! Read on to know about the health benefits and risks of eating beets.

Beets are highly nutritious root vegetables, which are packed with many good nutrients. They can be eaten as part of a salad, soup, curries, or in various other preparations. While beets may be consumed mostly for health reasons, they are not always beneficial for our health. Here are the 9 surprising effects of consuming beets.

Beats cancer. Beets contain high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant content, which reduces the risk of some cancers and boosts brain health. Presence of betacyanin gives a red color to this vegetable and this plant pigment also acts against harmful carcinogens.

Reduces heart disease. They contain folate and betaine in good quantity, which lowers homocysteine level in blood and thus reduces the risk of heart problems. This is because homocysteine is associated with inflammation that may damage the artery.

Improves eye health. These are also a good source of lutein, which protects against age-related macular degeneration and cataract. Beets also contain many phytochemicals that benefit eye health and nerve tissues.

Enhances endurance. According to a study conducted by British researchers, beets lead to better endurance and a low resting blood pressure in athletes. Nitrates present in the beet root enhances athletic performance and can make something as simple as walking less exhausting for elderly people.

Prevents dementia. Nitric acid present in beets increase the blood flow to the brain and in all parts of the body.

Treats constipation. Beets are high in fiber, which is essential for good digestive health and in relieving constipation. The high fiber content in beets is linked to a reduced risk of colon cancer.

Leads to kidney stones. Apart from offering many health benefits, beets may also lead to certain health risks as well. Beets are high in oxalate content that can form tiny crystals and lead to the development of kidney stones.

Develops gout. Again, because of the high oxalates present in beet, it can contribute to the development of gout.

Discolors stool. Eating beets may lead to a pink or red hue in the urine or stool. So, don’t be alarmed as it is not harmful.