Over the years, beetroot has gained popularity as a powerful superfood. It comes with many essential nutrients and benefits our skin, hair, weight and overall health. It is mainly a winter vegetable. But, being rich in nutrients, beetroot makes an appearance in our kitchens from time to time. It is sweet and crunchy and adds instant color to your plate. And the fact that beetroot offers several health benefits makes it a popular choice among nutritionists and fitness enthusiasts. You can have it as a salad, extract its juice or make beetroot curry. But do you know that excessive consumption of beetroot can be harmful to your health. you read that right Several studies around the world suggest that beetroot can have a negative effect on people suffering from low blood pressure. Let’s explain further.
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Beetroot: Good or Bad for Your Health?
as we know, Beetroot Comes with many nutrients including protein, fiber, antioxidants and dietary nitrates. For the unversed, dietary nitrates are known to lower blood pressure levels in the body, making beetroot an ideal vegetable for people suffering from hypertension and high blood pressure issues. But it can have the exact opposite effect on people with low blood pressure. According to research published in the Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, dietary nitrate helps dilate blood vessels. blood pressure, In fact, the study further states that a glass of beetroot juice can dramatically reduce BP levels. This can cause fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and more in people already suffering from low blood pressure.
A report published by the British Heart Foundation suggests that they studied 64 volunteers with nitrates (in the form of beetroot juice) in their diets. At the end of the study, they found that each of these subjects had a significant drop in their blood pressure levels. “The results suggest that supplementing dietary nitrate levels may be a simple and effective way to manage high blood pressure,” the report states. Experts further added that, while beetroots are healthy in general, eating them can be harmful for people with low blood pressure – it can lower blood pressure levels even more.
How Much Beetroot Is Too Much Beetroot?
Considering all this, we say, moderation is the key. While beetroot can still be part of your healthy diet, its intake should be limited in order to fully enjoy its benefits. According to experts, one should not consume more than one cup of beetroot (or two glasses of beetroot juice) in a day.
We have also found some healthy ways to include beetroot in your diet. Click here to find out more. Eat Healthy, Stay Fit!
Disclaimer: This content provides general information only including advice. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult an expert or your own physician for more details. NDTV does not take responsibility for this information.