Can beetroot be detrimental to your health? Perhaps too much might be unhealthy?
Perhaps.
There seems to be limited data on this. Some advise that a glass a day is okay. Another camp of advice givers say nay, that is too much.
As with all foods and vegetables that contain significant densities of vitamins and minerals, it is always a good practice to consult your doctor for any vitamin regimen you are thinking of starting, and listen to your body. Pay attention to it. Each person’s constitution is different. What works for one person may not work for you.
I practice this sequence myself and I typically take beetroot in the form of a juice or a powder (less sugar) added to my pre-workout regimen three times per week.
Now, back to the possible side effects. Two overt effects are urine (beeturia) & stool discoloration, and potential erectile ‘issues’. Plainly speaking, as beets provide a vascular benefit, and open up the bloodstream via oxygen, it as been postulated that beetroot may give, ‘rise’ to certain areas.
Personally, I have yet to experience this. I will, as always, keep you posted on any and all effects accrued via my beetroot intake. In fact, I am thinking of posting them as a few pages soon.
In the meantime, here are some considerations.
The Top Five Side Effects:
Kidney Stones
Beetroot is high in oxalate (insoluble salt that can interfere with calcium absorption) and can lead to kidney stones, particularly if you drink beet juice everyday. Boiling beets, rather than juicing them may help reduce the oxalates. It’s always a good thing to mix things up and juice beets with other fruits and vegetables.
Rashes
Some folks have reported allergic reactions when taking beet juice, such as rashes, itchiness, and hives. Portion control is key. If you know you are prone to food allergies, please start small and test.
Sudden Dip in Blood Pressure
Beet juice has been shown to lower blood pressure. This is good news. The issue is when taken together with other blood pressure medications so be careful. If you suffer from high blood pressure check with your physician before starting beetroot regimen.
Upset Stomach
Once again, those with preexisting issues often report them being exacerbated by eating beets or drinking beetroot juice. Are you prone to gastrointestinal issues? Beet juice may give you some bloating and cramps, not to mention a touch of diarrhea. Of course be mindful that beetroot colors stool a pinkish color. It is, after all, a food colourant.
Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis which is caused by a buildup of uric acid (carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen)in your blood. Uric acid is, essentially, the leftover waste product from your body breaking down food and liquid, particularly nitrogenous compounds. This acid is filtered by your kidneys and passed out in your urine…usually. Beetroot