Can you eat beetroot raw?

Beetroot has long been touted as a superfood, but some nutritionists say it should only be cooked or juiced.
Is there anything wrong with eating beetroot raw?
Beetroots are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamin C, folate, potassium, manganese, copper, iron, magnesium and phosphorus.
They also contain betalains, compounds that give them their bright red colour.
Raw beetroot contains nitrates, which can cause methaemoglobinaemia a condition where blood cells become unable to carry oxygen.
This can result in symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, weakness and fainting.
If you experience these symptoms after consuming beetroot, seek medical attention immediately

Can you eat beetroot raw?

Yes, you can eat beetroot raw. It tastes great and is full of nutrients. However, if you choose to eat it raw, you should wash it well under running water. This will remove any dirt and bacteria from the root. Then cut off the leaves and peel away the skin. Next, slice the beetroot into thin slices. You can either serve it raw or cooked. Raw beetroot is delicious served with salads or as part of a healthy breakfast.

Raw beetroot

You can eat beetroot raw but you should wash it well. Cut off the leaves and peel the skin. Slice the beetroot into thin pieces. You can either serve raw or cooked. Raw Beetroot is delicious served with salad or as part of a nutritious breakfast.

Nutritional value of beetroot

Beetroot contains many nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, iron, calcium, manganese, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, zinc, folate, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B6, vitamin K, and fiber. It is rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients. It helps in digestion and absorption of minerals from other foods. It is also used to treat anaemia and kidney stones.

Health benefits of beetroot

Beetroots are known to improve blood circulation, boost energy levels, reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, prevent cancer, fight heart disease, and help maintain healthy bones.

Improve muscle function

Beets are rich in nitrates, which are converted into nitric oxide NO in the body. NO helps relax blood vessels, improves blood flow, and lowers blood pressure. It also stimulates the release of growth hormones from the pituitary gland, which promotes cell division and repair. Beets are also a good source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, iron, fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium. Lower cholesterol Answer: Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the bloodstream. High cholesterol levels can lead to clogged arteries, which can result in heart attacks and strokes. Eating beets can help lower cholesterol because they contain compounds called betalains, which bind to bile acids in the digestive tract and remove them from the body. This reduces the amount of cholesterol absorbed from the diet.

Lower blood pressure

Beets are packed full of nutrients that can help lower blood pressure. Nitrate-rich beetroot juice can reduce blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and lowering blood volume. Beetroot contains a compound called nitrite, which converts into nitric oxide NO in the body. NO dilates blood vessels, increases blood flow, and lowers the force of blood against artery walls. Improve vision Answer: Beets are loaded with antioxidants that protect eyesight. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from damaging cells in the eye, which can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration. Beets also contain anthocyanins, which improve blood circulation to the retina and may even slow down the progression of age-related macular degeneration.

Anti-Inflammatory and antioxidant properties

Beetroots are rich in betalains a type of pigment which have been explainn to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Betalains are responsible for the bright red colour of beets, but they also occur naturally in other plants such as spinach and chard. Lower cholesterol Answer: Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in animal fats, eggs, milk, cheese, butter and meat. It is important for building cell membranes and hormones, but too much can increase the risk of heart disease. Eating beets can help lower cholesterol levels because they are low in saturated fat and high in fibre.

Boost Exercise Performance

Beets are packed full of nutrients that boost exercise performance. These nutrients include iron, potassium, magnesium, folate and vitamin C. Iron helps build blood cells and oxygen transport around the body. Potassium helps maintain muscle function and energy levels. Magnesium supports healthy bones and muscles. Folate helps produce new DNA and protein. Vitamin C helps build collagen and tissue. Reduce Risk Of Cancer Answer: Beets are rich in antioxidants called betalains. Antioxidants protect against free radicals which damage cells and lead to cancer. Free radicals are produced during normal metabolism and can cause damage to DNA. Betalain pigments in beets may reduce the amount of these free radicals.

Types of beetroots

There are two main types of beetroot – red and white. Red beetroots are sweeter and have a deeper colour than white beetroots. White beetroots are usually used for pickling and making juice.

Red Beets

Beetroot or beet is a root vegetable related to spinach and chard. It is native to Eurasia and North Africa, but now grown worldwide. Beetroot is rich in vitamins A and C, folate, potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, copper, zinc, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, biotin, and dietary fiber.

Chioggia Beets

Red beets are not only delicious but nutritious too. They are packed with nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Copper, Zinc, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Pantothenic Acid, Folate, and Biotin.

Golden Beets

Chioggia beets are a type of beet that has a beautiful golden color. They are smaller than regular red beets and are sweeter in taste. They are usually used in salads and side dishes.

White Beets

Golden beets are a type beet that has a beautiful gold color. They are smaller and sweeter in taste than regular red beets. They are usually used for salads and side dishes. White beets are larger than golden beets and are not as sweet. They are usually cooked whole and served as a vegetable.

How to store beets at home?

Store beets in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Keep them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Do not wash them until ready to eat. Wash them under cold running water. Cut off the greens and roots. Peel the skin if desired. Slice into wedges. Boil for about 20 minutes or until tender. Drain well. Serve hot or chilled.