Beet juice side effects

Beets are a highly nutritious root vegetable that has many health benefits. They have been historically known to combat high blood pressure. The ancient Romans believed they were good for cooling the blood and for treating feverish conditions. Beets are also beneficial for the digestive tract. Beet juice is a popular drink in Germany and is even sold now in bottles for those recuperating from an illness. In America many nutritionists and health professionals advise drinking beet juice for its many health benefits. When juiced raw, beet juice has a stimulating effect on the tongue and the nerves in the intestines. The small amount of chlorine found naturally in beet juice can stimulate the natural contractions of the intestines, thereby regulating digestion.

Beet juice has some powerful side effects and if it is blended with other juices like cucumbers or carrots, it can be an effective blood builder. Beet juice is also thought to have a therapeutic effect on the gall bladder and prostrate. Beet juice has been recommended for people who have cancer because of its cancer fighting abilities. Vegetarians often drink beet juice. Those who are on an alkaline diet drink beet juice to help balance out their PH levels. Beet juice is also a great drink for people who want to lose weight.

Beet juice side effects can be considered both negative and positive. Some of the positive beet juice side effects are:

  • Drinking 2 cups of beet juice a day has the ability to temporarily lower blood pressure. One study reported in 2008 in the Medical Journal on hypertension showed that drinking beet juice every day can lower blood pressure by 10 points. This positive side effect was shown to last up to 24 hours. The ability of beet juice to lower blood pressure can even be better than some high blood pressure medications. Beet juice is rich in nitric oxide, a natural compound that relaxes blood vessels. Even though positive beet juice side effects are listed as having a positive effect on lowering blood pressure you should know that this was a study done on those who were pre-hypertensive. If you are taking prescription medications for hypertension be sure you talk to your doctor about how adding beet juice to your daily diet can effect your blood pressure.
  • Beet juice has anti inflammatory properties.
  • Beet juice can help prevent the formation of blood clots.
  • Beneficial effects on the heart.
  • May prevent strokes
  • Increases stamina and recovering time during exercise
  • Cancer fighting benefits. Stops or slows the growth of cancer cells due to the presence of betacyanin in beets.

The negative side effects to drinking beet juice are:

  • Beet juice can turn your urine and stools a reddish color. This is really a harmless side effect, but the red color can alarm or scare people who are not expecting it.
  • The high oxalate content in raw beets may increase the occurrence of kidney stones. If you have had kidney stones before you should consult with your doctor before adding beet juice to your diet.
  • Drinking too much beet juice can cause tightness in the throat.
  • Rare cases of rash, chills or fever. May be caused by the detoxifying effect that beet juice has on the body. Beet juice can release stored waste products in the cells that can cause a mild flu-like symptom.

You can make beet juice at home with or without a juicer. Canned beet juice is not the same. Fresh beet juice should be made from raw beets and it is not advisable to drink canned beet juice. Choose firm beets that are free of blemishes when making your own beet juice. To make beet juice at home, wash and peel the beets and cut them into small chunks. Then add them to your blender with about ΒΌ cup of water. You can also leave the skin on if you are using a juicer.

Last updated on Mar 19th, 2011 and filed under Healthy Eating. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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