Does Beetroot Help Control Diabetes?

Diabetes comes with a whole set of restrictions on what to consume and what to avoid. So, is beetroot beneficial for people with diabetes? Beetroot is considered a superfood for its numerous health benefits and has been gaining popularity. This plant helps treat fever, constipation, high cholesterol, etc. It is also full of nutrients and fibre.

Beetroot is considered one of the best vegetables for people with diabetes as it is high in potassium and folate. Other nutritional benefits of beets are that they offer all the Vitamin B complex your body needs: calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and potassium. Now, let us understand its health benefits for diabetic patients and how it can benefit them.

Advantages of Beetroot for Diabetes

If you are still “wondering, “is beetroot good for diabetes”? Let us answer your question and explain the numerous health benefits of beetroot. Take a look:

• Helps lessen blood sugar and insulin-

Beetroots are rich in phytochemicals that have a regulating impact on glucose and insulin. As per a study, consuming 225 ml of beetroot juice or ½ cup of beetroot suppresses post-meal glucose levels.

• Reduces the risk of diabetes complications –

Diabetes can damage small and large blood vessels, leading to complications affecting the kidneys, heart, eyes, or any part of the body. Beets contain antioxidants that lessen oxidative tension and free radicals in the body. The fewer free radicals, the lower the risk of diabetes complications.

• Lowers Blood Pressure –

Beetroot is considered one of the best vegetables for diabetes, as it helps control blood pressure. The nitrate it contains broadens your blood vessels and augments your blood pressure. Therefore, it lessens blood pressure if you have hypertension. Most diabetic people experience high blood pressure, so eating beet or drinking its juice can maintain blood pressure.

• Improves Blood Circulation –

Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels, creating blood clots and lowering blood circulation. This is where beetroot comes into the picture, as it contains nitrates that help improve blood circulation. Also, beets have nutrients like betalain and neobetanin that help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

• Lessens the risk of nerve damage –

One of the leading symptoms of diabetes is nerve impairment. Eating beetroots can save you from this problem, as beets have alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant that helps subside nerve damage and improve cognitive functions in diabetic patients.

Beetroot Nutritional Benefits

Beetroot is considered one of the best vegetables for people with diabetes due to its numerous nutritional benefits. Take a look:

Is Beetroot Good for Diabetes?

As explained above, beetroot is good for diabetes for its several health benefits, but excess of everything is terrible. Therefore, you should consult your dietitian and ask how much you can include. But, just like all other food, eat it in moderation.

According to the research, diabetic people should try to consume beetroot in juice form. Drinking the juice in the morning would be best to slowly transform the glucose in your body and provide the required energy throughout the day.

Ways to Consume Beetroot

Here are a few ways you can include beetroot in your daily diet-

• Juice- If you have a high blood sugar level, it is recommended to intake beetroot juice as it aids in slowing down the conversion of glucose into energy.
• In salad—You can also eat it as a salad by cutting it into small pieces and mixing it with other vegetables you like, such as carrots, cucumbers, sprouts, peppers, tomatoes, etc.
• Yoghurt Dip: Take yoghurt and grate some beetroot into it. Add spices of your choice, and this healthy and tasty dip is ready.
• Soup—If you don’t want to eat beetroot directly, put it in vegetable soup.

Best Time to Consume Beetroot

By now, you should have got the answer to the”question, “Is beetroot good for” diabetes?” But do you know the best time to consume it? You can either eat it as a post or pre-workout snack or include it in your lunch as it helps improve the fibre in your body.

Conclusion

Beetroot is full of nutrition, so it is recommended to include it in your daily diet, but remember you should not overeat it. Excess consumption of beets for diabetic and non-diabetic people can increase the risk of kidney stones as they are pretty high in oxalates, which may promote kidney stone formation. So eat this superfood in a small quantity daily and enjoy its benefits.