Over the years, beetroot has gained popularity as a potent superfood. It comes with a host of essential nutrients and benefits our skin, hair, weight and overall health. It is primarily a winter vegetable. But, owing to the rich nutrient profile, beetroot finds its way into our kitchens every now and then. It is sweet and crunchy and adds a pop of colour to your plate instantly. And the fact that beetroot offers numerous health benefits makes it a popular choice among nutritionists and fitness enthusiasts. You can have it as is in form of salad, juice it up or cook beetroot sabzi. However, did you know that excessive intake of beetroot can be harmful to your health? You read that right. Several studies from across the globe state that beetroot can have negative effects on people suffering from low blood pressure. Let's elucidate further.
Also Read: Beetroot Tikki, Beetroot Cutlet And More: 5 Beetroot Snacks That You Must Try
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Beetroot: Good Or Bad For Your Health?
As we know, beetroot comes with a host of nutrients, including protein, fibre, 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 to decrease blood pressure. In fact, the study further state that a glass of beetroot juice could dramatically lower BP level. This may further lead to fatigue, nausea, dizziness and more in people already suffering from low blood pressure.
A report, published by the British Heart Foundation, explains that they studied 64 volunteers by supplementing their diet with nitrates (in form of beetroot juice). At the end of the study, they found that each of these subjects had a significant drop in their blood pressure level. "The results suggest that supplementing the levels of nitrate in the diet can be a simple and effective way to manage high blood pressure," the report reads. Experts further stated, while beetroots are healthy in general, eating them can be harmful to people with low blood pressure - it may lower the blood pressure level even more.
How Much Beetroot Is Too Much Beetroot?
Considering it all, we say, moderation is the key. While beetroot can still be a part of your healthy diet, consumption should be limited to enjoy its benefits to the fullest. According to experts, one should consume not more than one cup of beetroot (or two glasses of beetroot juice) in a day.
We also found some healthy ways to add beetroot to your diet. Click here to know more. Eat healthy, stay fit!
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.