Beetroots, commonly known as beets, are a popular root vegetable used in many cuisines around the world. Beets are packed with essential vitamins, minerals and plant compounds, some of which have medicinal properties. They are delicious and easy to add to your diet.
However, you may be surprised to learn that excess consumption of beetroots is harmful to your body. Consuming beetroot juice might also have certain issues. It can lead to the accumulation of metals like iron, copper, and magnesium in the liver – causing complications. Taking the juice once a while could be okay but not daily.
Here are some of the beetroots side effects;
MIGHT CAUSE BEETURIA
What you take throughout the day can influence the color of your urine. Excessive consumption of beets can cause your urine to appear pink. This effect is more common in individuals deficient in iron.
KIDNEY STONES
Beetroot is rich in oxalate that can cause kidney stones. If you already have stones, your doctor might advise you to quit beetroot or reduce its consumption. You may not be in danger if you don’t have a history of kidney stones. But if you do, you might contract the condition again upon beetroot consumption.
There are four types of kidney stones, with calcium being the most common one. The mineral can combine with other substances, especially oxalate, and form a stone. Beetroot is high in oxalate and can directly contribute to kidney stones. They achieve this by increasing urinary oxalate excretion, which leads to the development of calcium oxalate stones. Beets are also known to increase urinary oxalate concentrations which can eventually lead to kidney stones.
RASHES
Though rare, this allergy can occur in certain individuals. Allergic reactions to beetroot consumption include rashes, hives, itchiness, and even chills and fever. Certain people also complain of the constriction of vocal
One case of the presence of blood in urine is hematuria. Though beetroot doesn’t cause this condition, the symptoms are similar to beeturia – urine being coke colored. Hence, if your urine is colored and you have been consuming beets, one reason could be beeturia.
COLOURED STOOL
Beetroot contains a chemical named betacyanin, which gives the vegetable its deep red color. Though most foods are chemically altered and lose their coloration as they go through the digestive system, the breakdown of betacyanin might depend on certain factors. Colored stools might be harmless, but still, it is always better to consult your physician. Your doctor can test the stool and rule out the presence of blood. Blood in stools might indicate something serious.
Beetroot can also cause a condition called melaena, which refers to tarry or black stools from the presence of altered blood. In case you are passing colored stools quite frequently, keep beetroot away from your plate for a couple of days. If the issue persists, consult your doctor right away.
SUDDEN DIPS IN BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS
This could be a benefit. But if your blood pressure levels are already low or are fluctuating, then no. Because beetroot can cause sudden dips in blood pressure levels. And that isn’t healthy as well. The vegetable can also dilate your blood vessels and increase blood flow. Beetroot juice might lower blood pressure in men when consumed as part of a normal diet. Beets are rich in nitrates, and can acutely lower blood pressure in healthy individuals.
STOMACH UPSET
If you are already suffering from gastrointestinal issues, eating beets can only aggravate the issue. They can also cause bloating, flatulence, and cramping. The vegetable can also lead to certain changes in your bowel movements – including conditions like constipation and diarrhea. This can also be attributed to the high sugar content in beets.
Eating beets can also cause gas pains – pain that originates from the formation of gas in the stomach due to beetroot’s fiber content. Most of the time, passing gas or bowel movements can relieve gas pains. If not, do meet your physician. Also, you may want to increase your fluid intake. This helps battle the ill effects of excess fiber.
Being allergic to beets can also be one reason to develop issues like stomach cramps. Short-term exposure to high levels of nitrites can cause stomach upset and other abdominal conditions like diarrhea and vomiting. The symptoms develop 18 to 36 hours after high levels of nitrites have been consumed. In certain cases, they can occur as soon as within 2 hours or as long as 14 days later.
SPIKE IN BLOOD SUGAR
One of the concerning side effects of beetroot. This could be a serious concern for anyone who has blood sugar problems. Beets rate moderately high on the Glycemic Index, which is a downside. Which is why it is best to avoid beets if you have issues related to your blood sugar levels. Beets might be an acceptable food on a diet designed for steady glucose levels but one must consult a doctor before consuming them.
PROBLEMS DURING PREGNANCY
One compound in beetroot that causes concern for its use in pregnancy is betaine. As per studies, betaine had shown adverse effects in animal testing. There are no adequate studies on pregnant women to support its safety.
Pregnant women are more sensitive to the effects of nitrite. Beets being high in nitrites must hence be avoided by expecting mothers. Not just the mother, even the fetus could be more sensitive to the toxicity of nitrites – especially during the 30th week of pregnancy when there is a rise in oxidative stress.
CAN CAUSE GOUT
This type of arthritis that occurs due to excessive uric acid build-up can get extremely painful. The symptoms include extreme joint pains (particularly at the base of the toe), shiny red joints, and high fever. Foods containing oxalate, like beets, can contribute to gout hence, must be avoided.
MIGHT HARM THE LIVER
Beets are rich in iron, magnesium, copper, and phosphorous – and that’s the good part. The
Beets were found to cause low calcium levels. They can also aggravate kidney disease. Hence, individuals with related conditions must abstain from beets. Beetroot poisoning can happen with excessive consumption of beets.