Beetroot For Diabetes

Beetroot is a naturally occurring root vegetable that is commonly found in the temperate and tropical regions. It is also extremely low in calories, specifically 36 calories per 100 gm of beet. As a result, the juicy vegetable has been widely accepted at dining tables owing to its low calorie and high nutritive content. Small to moderate helpings of beet root are sufficient to provide all the vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and fiber of the vegetable.

The pigments, namely, betacyanins, account for the red color of sugar beets, and beta carotene is the antioxidant that is found in abundance in beetroot leaves. The root is also rich in vitamin C, fiber, and potassium.

High in proteins, fiber, and essential nutrients, beetroot has a glycemic index of 64, which is in the medium range. Although the vegetable is high in naturally occurring sugars, the rate of its conversion to glucose is considerably low. This avoids any sudden surge of glucose levels in the blood stream.

Beetroot is also considered effective in the reduction of hemocysteine, which can lead to chronic ailments in the heart and other organs. The presence of betaine in beetroot accounts for its high medicinal value. Betaine also helps in mitigating fatty deposits in the body. This ensures that the onset of type-2 diabetes can be allayed for those who regularly consume the red beet.
Beetroot, in its raw form, is considered better for diabetic patients. This is due to its high level of natural sugars. Beetroot is included in a diabetes menu plan if it can be had in the form of salads during any meal. Beetroot is best eaten either in boiled form or grated into a salad. The juice of this vegetable is also packed with nutrients and can be gradually introduced. Though high in sugars, beetroot does not result in high glucose concentration in the blood of diabetic patients. Research is believed to show that the inclusion of sugar beet in the breakfast menu of a diabetic person is seen to increase the level of somatostatin or the growth hormone inhibiting hormone. When beet root is had along with a meal, the rate of absorption of glucose into the blood stream is decreased. Hence, the maximum health benefits of beetroot for diabetic patients can be had when it is eaten before or after a meal.

Beetroot Juice For Diabetic Patients

Vegetable and fruit juices, packed with nutrients, are often considered an ideal item on any diet menu. Beetroot juice is also similarly replete with health boosting compounds and is ideal for diabetes. Beet root juice has a detoxifying effect on the body. This explains why a feeling of nausea is experienced when you start drinking beetroot juice on a daily basis. It is helpful to combine the juice of red beet with other vegetables like carrot, so that the body can get accustomed to it. A glass of beetroot juice can also ward off any signs of fatigue in the body. Its chlorine content proves good for the digestive system. At the same time, the nitrates in red beet help in lowering the blood pressure of your body, thus keeping hypertension off the limits. Read more on health benefits of beetroot juice

Compared to consuming this vegetable, drinking the juice of red beets provides a sudden boost of ascorbic acid, vitamin E, carotenes, phenolic acids, and phytoestrogens to the body. This acts positively on the overall cardiac function. Drinking beetroot juice also introduces a greater concentration of potassium than when eating the vegetable. Hence, beetroot juice is often given for diabetes as this allays the formation of any stones in the kidneys or gallbladder. Devoid of any fat and rich in vitamins and natural sugars, beetroot juice is a good choice for excess weight management, which is essential in keeping diabetes in check. The benefits of beetroot juice are enhanced if the layer just below the skin is included in the juice as well. The juice provides a glass of nutrients sans fiber and hence, should be consumed in moderation.

Diabetic persons should have a glass of beet root juice combined with other vegetable juice. This can be had on alternate days or twice a week. The presence of fiber in the diet menu is an essential item for diabetes. Hence, try to consume the juicy red beet vegetable as a salad more than a juice. Yet, beetroot juice helps a diabetic person when he is feeling quite tired. Then, the juice strengthens the body and improves the constitution of blood.

While consuming beet root for diabetes, it should be noted that persons with a history of gall bladder stones or who are prone to kidney stones owing to oxalates should refrain from eating red beet. This is because the vegetable has a high concentration of oxalates that can result in the formation of stones.

Submitted on January 16, 2014