Can we eat beets on a keto diet?
Beetroot has long been touted as a superfood due to its high levels of antioxidants.
However, some nutritionists say that beetroots should be avoided on a ketogenic diet because they contain nitrates, which can cause health problems.
Is this true?
Beets are rich in betalains, compounds that give them their bright red colour.
They also contain vitamins C and K, folate, iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, copper and zinc.
Beetroots are often served raw or cooked, either as a side dish or added to salads.
Beetroots are a great source of nutrients, especially vitamin C, and they can be incorporated into a ketogenic diet without causing harm.
The only thing to read out for is the amount of nitrate present in the root.
If you consume too much, you risk developing methemoglobinemia a condition where blood becomes pink.
This can be dangerous as it can result in death
Can we use beets on a keto diet?
Yes, you can eat beets on a Ketogenic Diet. Beets are very low in carbs and high in fiber. They are also rich in minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, copper, manganese, phosphorus, sodium, and vitamin C. Beets are also known to help lower blood sugar levels. They are also good sources of folate, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, and vitamins B6 and K.
Calories in beets
Ketosis is a metabolic state where your body uses fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. This happens because your liver converts fats into ketones. Ketosis is achieved when your body burns fat for energy rather than glucose. Your body naturally produces ketones during starvation. However, if you consume a healthy diet, your body will produce enough ketones to sustain itself. If you are following a ketogenic diet, you should avoid eating any type of carbohydrate. Carbohydrates are found in breads, cereals, pasta, rice, potatoes, beans, fruit juices, and other types of sugars. These foods break down into glucose, which is used as fuel by cells throughout your body. On a ketogenic diet, your body does not use glucose for energy, but rather breaks down fats stored in your body into fatty acids and ketone bodies. Fats are used as energy by your brain, muscles, heart, and other organs. Fatty acids are converted into ketone bodies in the liver and kidneys. Ketone bodies are used as an alternative source of energy by these organs.
How many beets can people with a keto diet eat?
Beets are rich in antioxidants and fiber. Beets are low in calories and carbs. One cup of cooked beet contains only about 10 grams of carbs. A serving of raw beets contains about 20% of your daily recommended vitamin C intake. It also provides a good amount of folate, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, and niacin.
Some beet keto recipes
If you are following a ketogenic diet, you can eat as many beets as you want. However, if you are not following a ketogenic diet or you are eating a carb heavy diet, then you should avoid beets.
Beet, Hemp, Avocado recipe:
You can easily make a healthy salad using these ingredients. Ingredients: 1 medium sized avocado chopped 2 tablespoons hemp seeds 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon lemon juice Salt & pepper to taste Directions: Put all ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Serve immediately.
Red velvet beet smoothie:
This is a delicious drink that tastes great! It’s very easy to make and takes only minutes to make. Ingredients: 4 cups of red beets or any other color
Keto beetroot juice:
Red Velvet Beet Smoothie Ingredients: 4 cups of red beets or any other color 1/2 cup of coconut milk 1 scoop of protein powder 3 tablespoons of flaxseed meal 1 tablespoon of chia seeds 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 1 pinch of salt Directions: Put all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
Beetroot smoothies:
Keto beetroot juice: Red Velvet Beet Smoothie Ingredients 4 cups of red beets 1/2 cup coconut milk
Health benefits of beets
Beetroots are a root vegetable that is generally used in salads, soups, stews, and desserts. It is a rich source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, manganese, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, and fiber. Beets are also known to help lower cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.
Keeps blood pressure in check:
Beets are a great source of nitrates, which helps improve blood flow and lowers blood pressure. Nitrates are found naturally in many vegetables, such as spinach, lettuce, celery, and beets. Helps prevent cancer: Answer: Beets are loaded with antioxidants called betalains, which help fight against free radicals and reduce inflammation. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage cells and DNA. Antioxidants neutralize these harmful molecules and protect our body from oxidative stress.
Effective against inflammation:
Beets are rich in fiber, folate, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and vitamin C. Fiber and folate are important nutrients for heart health. Iron is essential for healthy red blood cells, while potassium and magnesium are needed for muscle contraction and nerve function. Manganese and Vitamin C support bone growth and immune system function. Improves digestion: Answer: Beet juice contains enzymes that aid digestion and break down protein into amino acids. It also improves absorption of other nutrients.
Improvement of digestive health:
Beets are very good sources of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber helps maintain regularity and promotes normal bowel movements. Preventing constipation: Answer: Beets help prevent constipation because of their high content of insoluble dietary fiber. Insoluble dietary fiber is not digested by the body and passes through the intestinal tract undigested. This type of fiber acts as a bulking agent and adds bulk to stool.
Supports brain health:
Beets are rich in folate, a B vitamin that plays a role in maintaining healthy nerve cells. Folate is needed for proper cell division and growth. It is also important for the production of DNA and RNA, two building blocks of protein. Improves vision: Answer: Beet juice contains betaine, a compound that improves blood flow to the eyes. Betaine is found naturally in spinach and other leafy greens.
Anti-cancer properties:
Beetroot juice is known to help prevent cancer. It contains nitrates, compounds that help protect against cancer. Nitrates are converted into nitrites during digestion. These nitrites combine with amino acids to form carcinogenic substances called N-nitroso compounds.
Helps in losing weight:
Beetroots are rich in fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, vitamin C, folic acid, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, copper, and vitamins B1, B2, B6, E, K, and A. They also contain antioxidants such as betalains, flavonoids, carotenoids, polyphenols, and phytosterols. It helps in reducing cholesterol levels: Answer: Beets are rich in dietary fiber, folate, potassium, iron, magnesium, and manganese. They also contain antioxidants like beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and alpha-tocopherol.