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Beetroot juice: The overlooked superfood with powerful benefits

When we think about juices, fruit juices are the first to come to mind. However, vegetable juices surpass them in terms of nutritional properties. One of these juices is beetroot juice, which can easily be prepared in a home kitchen.

Beetroot juice not only has an intense colour and taste but also many valuable properties that help keep the body in good shape and health. It is worth including this drink in your diet.

Beets have been known in our cuisine for generations. They were easy to store in winter, were inexpensive to cultivate, and have become a staple in our homes. After all, it is hard to imagine Christmas Eve without borscht or meat patties without Grandma's beets.

Beetroot juice is good for health

Beetroot juice is a true vitamin bomb, containing iron, folic acid, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and calcium. It also contains vitamins A, C, E, K, and B group vitamins, which are essential for the proper functioning of our bodies. Thanks to the high content of vitamins and minerals, beetroot juice supports the immune system.

Eating beets and drinking their juice is also recommended for anaemia. Although plant-based iron is less absorbable by the body than animal iron, eating beets can still be helpful in combating low levels of this element.

Betanin, the pigment responsible for beets' intense colour, is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage and helps fight inflammation. This slows down the ageing process, so by regularly drinking beetroot juice, we rejuvenate somewhat.

How to prepare beetroot juice?

The best choice is a slow juicer, which allows you to obtain juice with a high nutrient content. You can also use a blender, but remember that this juice will have more fibre and may be less fluid.

It is best to drink freshly squeezed beetroot juice to retain all its nutritional values. After squeezing, the juice should be set aside for about 30 minutes, allowing it to release gas and become easier to digest. Beetroot juice can be mixed with juices from other vegetables, such as carrots or apples, to help you get used to its taste. 

Beetroot juice - Contraindications

Although this juice is a true treasure, not everyone can drink it. It has a lot of oxalates, which people suffering from gout, kidney stones, and rheumatism should avoid. It can also lower blood pressure, so people with low blood pressure should consume it cautiously. 

Story by Ewa Malinowska: Daily Wrap