Juicing has become a trend in recent years as it provides an easy way to get all the essential nutrients in one go. One ingredient that has gained popularity in the juicing world is beetroot. Beetroot juice is not only tasty but is also loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and refreshing drink. However, many people wonder if it is safe to juice raw beets. In this article, we’ll dive into the benefits of beet juice, whether it’s safe to consume raw beets, and how it can benefit your overall health.
The Benefits of Beet Juice
Beetroot is a rich source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, iron, potassium, manganese, and folate. Drinking beet juice regularly can provide you with all these essential nutrients, which are necessary for keeping your body healthy. Here are some of the benefits of drinking beet juice:
1. Lowers Blood Pressure
Beet juice contains nitrates that help dilate blood vessels, which in turn, reduces blood pressure. According to a study published in the Journal of Hypertension, drinking two glasses of beet juice daily can help lower blood pressure significantly.
2. Boosts Immune System
Beet juice is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, protecting your body against damage caused by free radicals.
3. Promotes Healthy Digestion
Beet juice is an excellent source of fiber, which is beneficial for digestion. Drinking beet juice can prevent constipation, reduce inflammation in the colon, and promote healthy bowel movements.
4. Improves Athletic Performance
Beet juice is a popular drink among athletes, as it is known to boost endurance and improve performance. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, drinking beet juice before exercise can increase stamina by up to 16%.
Is it Safe to Consume Raw Beets?
Yes, it is safe to consume raw beets. However, it is essential to wash them thoroughly before juicing, as they may contain dirt, bacteria, or pesticides. You can also peel the beets before juicing for added safety. Additionally, consuming too much beet juice can lead to an upset stomach or cause diarrhea. Therefore, it is recommended to drink in moderation.
How to Juice Raw Beets
Juicing raw beets is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make beet juice at home:
Step 1: Wash and Prepare the Beets
Wash the beets thoroughly and cut off the tops and bottoms. If the beets are large, cut them into smaller pieces to make juicing easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Juicer
Assemble your juicer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 3: Juice the Beets
Place the prepared beets in the juicer and start juicing. Make sure to collect the juice in a container.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Fresh Beet Juice
Drink the beet juice immediately to prevent oxidation. You can also add other fruits or vegetables like carrots, apples, or ginger to enhance the flavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, consuming raw beet juice is an excellent way to get all the essential nutrients your body needs. Beet juice is not only healthy but also tasty. It can help lower blood pressure, boost your immune system, promote healthy digestion, and improve athletic performance. However, it is essential to wash the beets thoroughly before juicing and consume in moderation. Drinking two glasses of beet juice daily can do wonders for your overall health. So why not add beet juice to your daily diet and reap the benefits?
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FAQ
How to prepare raw beets for juicing?
Beet juice has become increasingly popular due to its numerous health benefits. Juicing beets is an excellent way to incorporate this nutritious root vegetable into your diet. When preparing raw beets for juicing, it is essential to get them clean and ready for blending. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare raw beets for juicing:
1. Select fresh, organic beets: For juicing, choose beets that are firm, blemish-free, and organic. The beets’ size doesn’t matter, but you want to ensure that they are fresh and free from any damages.
2. Wash the beets: Using cool running water, rinse the beets to remove any dirt or debris. Scrub any rough patches gently with a scrub brush.
3. Cut off the tops: Once the beets are clean, use a sharp knife or scissors to remove the tops, bottom, and skin if desired. Removing these parts helps to eliminate the dirt and any pesticides that may be present.
4. Cut the beets into smaller pieces: To make juicing more manageable, you can cut the beets into smaller, more manageable pieces. Depending on the size, you can quarter, slice, or cube the beets for easier blending.
5. Grate the beets: If you don’t have a juicer and are using a blender, it’s best to grate the beets. A food processor or grater will work perfectly. If you don’t have either, you can use a peeler or knife to shave the beets, but that will require more effort and time.
6. Squeeze the juice: Once the beets are grated, gather the gratings in cheesecloth. Twist the top tightly and begin squeezing the beet juice into a large liquid measuring cup. The more finely grated, the more juice you will get.
7. Store the beet juice: Once you have pressed all the juice out of the beet gratings, you can store it in a lidded container in the refrigerator. If stored correctly, beet juice will keep fresh for up to three days.
Juicing beets is a fantastic way to add a nutrient-dense vegetable to your diet. When preparing raw beets, it’s essential to choose fresh, organic beets, wash them thoroughly, and cut them into smaller pieces or grate them. Once juiced, you can store the beet juice in a lidded container in the refrigerator and include it in your diet to improve your overall health.
Are beets healthy for juicing?
Yes, beets are healthy for juicing and can have numerous health benefits. Beet juice is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and iron. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps boost immunity and defends cells against damage from free radicals. It also supports collagen production, which is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Potassium is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, and it may also help with athletic performance.
Beets are also a natural source of nitrates, which when converted into nitric oxide in the body, help improve blood flow and oxygen delivery, particularly to muscles during exercise. This can lead to improved athletic performance, decreased muscle inflammation, and reduced muscle soreness.
In addition to these benefits, beets are also high in fiber, which can help improve digestion and promote feelings of fullness, leading to weight loss. Moreover, studies have shown that consuming beet juice can help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve cardiovascular health.
However, it is essential to note that consuming beets in large amounts or drinking too much beet juice can cause temporary side effects, such as digestive issues, urine discoloration, and low blood sugar levels. Therefore, as with any dietary supplement, it’s best to consume beet juice in moderation and consult a healthcare professional before adding it to your diet, especially if you have any underlying medical condition or are taking certain medications.
Can you juice the leafy part of beets?
Yes, you can juice the leafy part of beets! In fact, beet greens are not only edible but also incredibly healthy. They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. Many people throw away the leafy greens from their beetroots but they are skipping a valuable part of the vegetable.
To juice beet greens, start by washing them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Cut off the tougher stems at the base of each leaf and save them for use in soups or stews. Then, chop the leaves into smaller pieces so that they fit into your juicer feeder and can be more easily blended.
Beet greens can be quite bitter so it’s a good idea to mix them with other vegetables or fruits to balance the flavor. Some popular options include carrots, celery, apples, and ginger. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a little extra tang.
If you don’t already have a juicer, you can use a blender to make a smoothie instead. Simply blend the chopped beet greens with your other ingredients and water until smooth. You may need to strain the mixture through a mesh sieve to remove any pulp or fibers.
Not only can you juice the leafy part of beets, but it’s also a delicious and healthy addition to your diet. Don’t throw away those beet greens anymore, give them a try in your next juice or smoothie!
