Is Beetroot Good For Diabetes? Effect On Blood Sugar, Benefits, Side Effects, Juices

Carrying the burden of global proportions, the epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major public health issue all around the world. The number of people estimated to have diabetes increased to 425 million in the year 2017 and is projected to put a fiscus strain of more than 693 million by the year 2040. The disease of type 2 among diabetics is the occurrence of high blood glucose levels, and it is one of the chief contributors of increasing global fatality rates.  

Recently, scientists have been making an increasing effort to find ways to use phytochemicals in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. For many centuries, different parts of the world have used medicinal plants to address varied diseases and metabolic defects, including diabetes mellitus.  

The plants' bioactive compounds, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and alkaloids possess potent antidiabetic activities. One such crop is beetroot. Hence, the question that would naturally come to your mind is, “Is beetroot good for diabetes?”  

Well, beets are filled with natural elements that are essential in the body, such as vitamins, dietary fibre and antioxidants, thus making them an excellent meal alternative. In this blog, however, you will discover why is beetroot good for diabetes along with its benefits as well as how to bolster its advantage by combining it with carrot juice. Intrigued? Let’s explore!  

Table Of Contents 

Is Beetroot Good For Diabetes Type 2? 

Beets and diabetes have had a strong correlation with each other. Beets can also be helpful for individuals diagnosed with diabetes. This vegetable is low-calorie and has a medium glycemic index, and beets, in addition, contain a lesser amount of carbohydrates. What also draws attention is the fact that the moderate GI of beets will slightly affect your sugar levels.  
 

The beets are also a great fibre agent and vitamin and mineral source. In addition to beets, the phytochemicals that they contain benefit blood sugar levels and improve insulin function. Beets have phytochemicals that help to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin response in the body. 
 

Resulting from the study which had been conducted in 2017, it was suggested that carbo-loading with beetroot juice improved insulin resistance in obese compared to non-obese participants. The study revealed that beetroot juice has hyperglycaemic benefits for obese diabetic people.  

Also Read: Discover Jamun Seeds Powder Benefits For Health, Skin And Diabetes  

Top 6 Benefits Of Beets For Blood Sugar 

Continuing with our exploration on ‘Is beetroot good for diabetes?’, now let’s understand the benefits of beets and beetroot juice. They contain vitamins, minerals and fibre and are an essential addition to the diet of people with diabetes. Many studies have shown that it is effective in many areas of diabetes management. The benefits of beetroot and beetroot juice for people with diabetes are: 

1. Has Medium Glycemic Index 

The sugars in beetroot are almost entirely in the form of sucrose. These sugars are released slowly into the body through digestion rather than the sudden sugar rush from eating sweets. Beetroot has a medium GI (Glycemic Index) of 64 and a low GL (Glycemic Load) of 2.9 which means it is converted into sugars slowly.  

Preparation Method:  

Who Should Avoid Beetroot? 

Here are the points to consider before adding beetroot into your diet plan in any form: 

1. People Having Risk Of Kidney Stones 

Beetroot has oxalate, which contributes to stone formation. It may increase urinary oxalate excretion, which leads to the development of calcium oxalate stones. Therefore, it is advised to drink beetroot juice in moderation. However, if you have kidney stones, you must completely avoid beetroot juice. 

2. Individuals With Anaphylaxis 

Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction to an allergen that the body becomes hypersensitive to certain compounds found in foods. The compound responsible for triggering anaphylaxis is believed to be betalain pigments, particularly betacyanins. These compounds can elicit an allergic response in hypersensitive individuals, leading to symptoms such as throat tightness and bronchospasm.  

3. People Experiencing Beeturia 

Beeturia manifests through the reddening of urine or stool after one consumes beetroot, primarily due to betalain pigments present in beets. These pigments, particularly betacyanins, are responsible for the vibrant red colour of beetroot. Upon ingestion, metabolism and subsequent excretion via urine or faeces introduce a reddish hue into these bodily fluids as part of their process. Beeturia, though generally harmless, might signify iron deficiency, gastrointestinal disorders, or impaired iron metabolism in certain individuals.   

4. Pregnant Women 

Pregnant women should be cautious as consuming too much nitrate from beetroot may lead to symptoms like lack of energy, headache, dizziness, and blue-grey skin discoloration around the eyes, mouth, lips, hands, and feet. 

Is Beet Juice Safe For Diabetics? 

Beetroot juice is a colourful drink is crafted from sugar beets, whose medical name is Beta vulgaris. For dietary reasons, people are often advised to drink beetroot juice. And added to this, the benefits of beet juice for diabetics are widely recognised. Research suggests that beet juice may have potential benefits for individuals with diabetes due to its nitrate content, which could improve blood vessel function and lower blood pressure. 

While beet juice also contains beneficial nutrients like fibre, it has a high concentration of natural sugars, mainly glucose and fructose, which can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels when consumed in large quantities. So, while beet juice is relatively safe, individuals with diabetes should exercise caution and monitor their blood sugar levels closely.  
 

4. What is the connection between beets and blood sugar levels?  

The sugar content of raw beets is 6.7g, which is consistent with 100g of beets. Beets can influence blood sugar levels due to their natural sugar content potentially leading to spikes in sugar levels when taken in large quantities. However, their fibre content helps regulate blood sugar absorption, offering some control. 

References 

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