Benefits of Beet JuiceBenefits of beet juice - Introduction Many people make claims of the health benefits of beet juice. They may be correct.Beets are thought to promote longevity. Indeed, it is believed that Russian may owe their longer and healthy lives due to using beets in their traditional soups. The pigment that gives beets their bright purple colour, called betacyanin, is suspected to be able to fight off cancer cells and several animal studies seem to prove this. Other more recent animal studies seem to show that a diet high in beet fiber helps the liver produce antioxidants that defend against damage by free radicals. 
Evidence of Benefits (Leaf Rating System)
Beet and cancer preventionOne study done in patients with stomach cancer looked at how
beet juice can protect against the
effects of cancer causing chemicals, called nitrates, routinely used in
preserving foods. Beet seems to be able to prevent cells from becoming cancerous in animal studies. Some experts also believe that it may help prevent colon cancer. Beet and heart disease preventionThere’s more to beet than
just its antioxidant properties.
One animal study showed that the beet fiber was able to lower
cholesterol by
30% and this may contribute to reducing the risk of heart disease in humans.
Beet and inflammation - What's the link?Beet is rich in a
substance called betaine which is shown in
clinical studies to reduce the chemical signs of inflammation (for
example,
C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha).
These
chemical markers of inflammation are suspected to be responsible for
health
problems such as type-2 diabetes, heart disease, dementia, Alzheimer’s
disease
and osteoporosis.
Good sources of betaine and alternative sourcesWhat foods are rich sources of betaine? Beet, beet juice and
spinach are good sources. Otherwise, another good option is to take choline rich foods such as egg
yolk,
soybeans and whole wheat products.
Why choline? Choline is converted into betaine by our body. Experts have established a Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of choline at 550 mg for men and 425 mg for women. (Betaine does not have a RDI because it is not essential as our body can make it from choline.) Beets and health condition interactions - Who should not eat beets?Beets are also a source of
oxalates, a chemical found in plants,
animals and humans. Oxalates can concentrate in the kidney leading to
stone
formations in certain high risk individuals. For those with are at risk of
developing
kidney stones or have gallbladder problems, experts suggest eating less
oxalate-containing
foods such as beet or beet juice.
Beet juice side effects? What can I expect?Beet
and beet juice are not reported to have any significant side effects.
In theory, eating large quantities of beet or drink beet juice may
cause low calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia) and possible kidney
problems (in those at risk) because of the oxalates.
However, most studies do not show that it would reduce calcium absorption enough to be of any significance. Eating beet or drinking beet juice may cause your urine or stool to turn red or pink in colour. This is a harmless side effect and nothing to be alarmed about. Related topics to the Health Benefits of Beet Juice Antioxidants FactsKidney Stones Heart Disease - Natural Remedies for Prevention Return to FAQ List from Benefits of Beet Juice  Use the search box below to
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