At first glance, the question why beetroot is bad for your health seems to challenge everything you know about or have heard about this nutritionally dense super-food.
However, there are caveats we need to consider. It is not always good, not always effective, and not always from a good source. Let’s dive into why beetroot is bad for your health or, better phrased, why it could be bad in some instances!
10 Reasons Why Beetroot Is Bad For Your Health
Reason #1
1. Diabetes and Blood Sugar Management:
Individuals with diabetes may need to limit beetroot intake due to its sugar content. If you take a cheap beetroot powder, it’s probably only filler. Full of sugar, and it’s only purpose is to take your money and turn your poop red.
Lesson: Get beetroot with guaranteed nitrate amounts and low-sugar.
Reason #2
2. Pre-existing Kidney Stones:
Some beetroot is high in oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals. Oxalates, or oxalic acid, are naturally occurring compounds found in many commonly consumed plants, including beetroot.
In certain susceptible individuals, particularly those with a tendency to form kidney stones, oxalates can bind with calcium. This take place in the urine and forms calcium oxalate kidney stones. These are the most common type of kidney stones.
High levels of oxalates can also interfere with the absorption of certain minerals, leading to deficiencies. For most people, dietary oxalates are not a problem, but for those at risk of kidney stones or with certain health conditions, it’s often recommended to limit oxalate intake.
Lesson: Get a pure beetroot with NO OXALATES
Reason #3
3. Compromised Immune Systems:
Beetroots from sources without proper sanitary controls could harbor pathogens, posing a risk to those with weakened immune systems.
Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, who are living with HIV/AIDS, or who may be taking immunosuppressive medications, need to be particularly cautious about the foods they consume.
Their bodies are less equipped to fight off infections, which means that consuming produce that has not been properly cleaned or that comes from sources with inadequate sanitation can pose serious health risks.
Beetroots, like any raw vegetables, can carry bacteria, viruses, or parasites if they are not grown, harvested, stored, and prepared safely. This can include common foodborne pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, which can lead to severe illness in immunocompromised individuals.
These individuals should ensure that any beetroot they consume is from a reliable source, thoroughly washed, and cooked if necessary to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. For most it makes more sense to purchase a refined and standardized beetroot supplement.
Reason #4
4. Medication Interference:
Beetroot may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, due to its vitamin K content.
Beetroot contains some vitamin K, which plays a key role in blood clotting. For individuals taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin, consistent vitamin K intake is crucial because fluctuations can affect the medication’s effectiveness.
A sudden increase in vitamin K can lessen the blood-thinning effect, potentially leading to clot formation, while a decrease can enhance the effect of the medication, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Therefore, it’s important for individuals on such medications to maintain a steady intake of vitamin K and to consult with their healthcare provider before making dietary changes that include foods like beetroot, which has a higher vitamin K content.
Lesson: Work closely with your healthcare provider if you are on any of these medications.
Reason #5
5. Blood Pressure Fluctuations:
For those with low blood pressure, the blood-pressure-lowering effect of beetroot could potentially cause issues. Beetroot contains dietary nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide, a molecule that dilates blood vessels and can lower blood pressure. This is generally beneficial for those with high blood pressure; however, it can be problematic for individuals with hypotension (low blood pressure). For these individuals, consuming beetroot could further lower their blood pressure, leading to symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and blurred vision.
It’s essential for people with low blood pressure to consult with a healthcare provider before adding high-nitrate foods like beetroot to their diet to avoid exacerbating their condition.
Lesson: Take beetroot to lower your blood pressure if it is high!
Reason #6
6. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):
The high fiber content in beetroot can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with IBS. Beetroot is high in fiber, which is generally considered beneficial for digestive health for most people. However, for individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, high-fiber foods can sometimes trigger symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits (either constipation or diarrhea).
The reason for this is that the digestive system of someone with IBS might be sensitive to certain types of fiber or to the increased bulk and gas production that comes with fiber intake. Therefore, it’s advisable for Irritable Bowel Syndrome sufferers to introduce high-fiber foods like beetroot slowly and in small amounts and to consult with a dietitian or doctor to manage their condition effectively.
Lesson: Use caution if you have IBS.
Reason #7
7. Non-Standardized Nitrate Levels: Without standardized nitrate levels, beetroot products may not provide consistent health benefits. Beetroot’s health benefits are largely attributed to its nitrate content, which the body converts into nitric oxide, a compound that aids in blood vessel dilation circulation and improves blood flow to organs, the brain, and skin, as well as the heart.
However, there is a big problem: the nitrate content in beetroot can vary widely depending on the soil quality, the beetroot variety, and farming practices. Non-standardized nitrate levels mean that the consumer cannot always be sure of the amount of nitrate they are ingesting with each serving, which can lead to inconsistent health benefits.
For those of us seeking the cardiovascular benefits of nitrates, standardized levels are important to ensure they are consuming an effective and safe amount.
Lesson: Buy beetroot with standardized nitrates!
Reason #8
8. Insufficient Intake:
Not consuming an adequate amount of beetroot and its associated nitrates may result in no significant health benefits. For beetroot to confer its cardiovascular and endurance benefits, it needs to be consumed in amounts that provide a sufficient dose of its active compounds, particularly nitrates. At a minimum each dose should have at least 100mg of nitrates to have any effect.
If an individual consumes beetroot in very small quantities, the intake of these beneficial compounds may not be enough to make a significant impact on health. It’s similar to taking a medicine in a dose that’s too low to be effective; you won’t see the desired results. Therefore, understanding the appropriate serving size is key to reaping the potential health benefits that beetroot can offer.
Lesson: Take a high quality beetroot product, that clearly shows what is in it!
Reason #9
9. Excessive Intake: Conversely, too much beetroot can lead to an overload of nitrates and potential health concerns. While beetroot is beneficial, excessive consumption can lead to an overabundance of nitrates. This might cause issues like methemoglobinemia, a condition where hemoglobin is converted to methemoglobin, which can’t carry oxygen efficiently.
This condition is rare but can occur if one consumes very high levels of nitrates. It’s also worth noting that a very high intake of beetroot might result in kidney stress. This is due to its oxalate content, which could potentially contribute to kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals. Therefore, moderation is key to avoiding these potential risks.
Lesson: Go slow! Don’t take too much.
Reason #10
10. Allergies or Intolerances: Some individuals may be allergic to beetroot or experience adverse reactions when consuming it. Obviously, if you are allergic to beetroot, you should not take it. You may be someone who does not eat beets, so you may not know until you try it. Just go slow, take a recommended dose, and see how you feel. If you break out in hives, then you may be one of the very, very small number of people who are allergic!
Lesson: Don’t take beetroot if you have alergies to beets!
To sum it all up, beetroot is a powerhouse of nutrition, offering a multitude of health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
It is not bad for you in any way under most circumstances and has incredible cardiovascular benefits.
The key to unlocking these benefits is ensuring you have a high-quality product with consistent and adequate nitrate levels.
Ultimate Beetroot Energy by Bionox provides exactly that, with a standardized 100mg of nitrates per serving, ensuring you get the optimal amount to support your health without the risks associated with excessive intake. Incorporate Ultimate Beetroot Energy into your routine and embrace the vitality it offers, making it an almost universally good choice for your wellness journey.