Weight Loss

Is Beetroot Good for Weight Loss? Find Out the Truth Here

Do you also look at a beetroot and think, “it should be illegal to look that beautiful?” No? Only us? Ok. What if we told you that its health benefits match its vibrancy and versatility? Still no? What if we explored if beetroot is good for weight loss? Yes? Give this pretty vegetable a chance today and find out if beetroot can help you lose weight.

Nutritional Profile of Beetroot

Beetroots come with an extensive nutritional profile and numerous health benefits. They are extremely low in calories while being high in several vitamins and minerals. Both the root and the leaves of the beet plant are edible.

The following is the nutritional profile for 100 g of raw beets as per the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Nutrient Content in each 100 g
Water 87.6 g
Calories 43 kcal
Total fat 0.17 g
Protein 1.61 g
Carbohydrate 9.56 g
Fibre 2.8 g
Sugar 6.76 g
Calcium 16 mg
Sodium 78 mg
Potassium 325 mg
Iron 0.8 mg
Manganese 0.329 mg
Vitamin C 4.9 mg
Vitamin B9 (Folate) 109 µg

Benefits of Beetroot for Weight Loss

Beetroot can be called a superfood with multiple health benefits. There are no direct studies done on the effects of beetroot on weight loss. However, beetroot may be good for weight loss due to a number of reasons. These reasons include beetroot being:

Low in Calories

It is important to keep an eye on your calorie intake when you are on a weight loss diet. Increasing the consumption of low-calorie foods has a direct link with effective weight loss. 100 g of beetroot contains 87.6 g of water, a mere 0.17 g fat, and only 43 calories, which makes it a valuable low-calorie food for your weight loss diet.

Rich in Fibre and Protein

Beetroot is undoubtedly a rich source of fibre and protein, both of which are essential for losing weight. Fibre slows down digestion and reduces your appetite by making you feel full and satiated for longer. It improves your digestive health, further reducing the risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes.

Meanwhile, the protein content in beetroot also promotes the feeling of fullness, thereby reducing your overall calorie consumption and promoting weight loss.

How to Eat Beetroot for Weight Loss?

The best way to have beetroot for weight loss is by eating it raw. You can add a dash of lime to it to enhance its flavour. However, some of the other ways to incorporate beetroot in your weight loss diet include:

  • Juice it up: Beetroot juice is a popular way of gaining the essential nutrients of this superfood. Make sure not to strain the juice as you might lose fibre while doing that.
  • Spice it up With Cutlets: Just boil some beetroot with potatoes, add spices of your choice, make the shape of cutlets, and coat them in semolina or sooji. You can roast the cutlets on a pan without any oil or air fry them. Do not forget to have it with a dollop of chutney.
  • The Pink Milkshake: You can grind some beetroot and blend it with a cup of milk to make a thick and filling milkshake.
  • As Simple as a Salad: Having a salad can be one of the healthiest ways to lose weight. Adding beetroot to it is a plus point. You can use the beet root as well as greens in the salad and include other vegetables such as corn and leafy greens to amp up the health benefits.
  • In a Curry: Chop and cook beetroot with minimal oil and your favourite spices. You can enjoy beetroot curry with rotis or rice.
  • Use it as a Puree. Boil a beetroot, cool, and puree it in a blender. Use this puree or paste to amp up the nutrition and colours of your idlisrotispulaos, and pastas.
How to Make Beetroot Juice for Weight Loss?

  • Chop 1½ cup beetroot and 1½ cup carrots into cubes.
  • Add the beetroot, carrots and mint leaves to a blender and juice it up.
  • Add ¼ cup water, 4 tablespoons of lemon juice and a pinch of Himalayan salt to it.
  • Stir it well and serve fresh in two glasses.

How Much Beetroot is Good for Weight Loss?

When on a weight loss diet, consuming 1 to 1½ cup (130 to 200 g) of beetroot daily in any form should be fine.

What is the Best Time to Have Beetroot for Weight Loss?

There is no particular time for you to include beetroot as a part of your weight loss diet. You can have beetroot in any form, an hour before a meal to prevent overeating during the meal. You can also enjoy beetroot or beetroot juice as a mid-meal snack. This can help you consume fewer calories throughout the day and promote weight loss.

What are the Risks of Overconsumption of Beetroot?

When consumed in moderation, beetroots are likely safe for most adults. However, there are some risks of overconsumption of beetroots you must look out for. These include:

  • Beetroot and greens are high in oxalates, and thus, overconsumption can cause an increased risk of the formation of kidney stones.
  • Excessive consumption of beetroot can cause problems with digestion in individuals with sensitive stomachs, such as those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

What are the Other Health Benefits of Beetroot?

Some health benefits of incorporating beetroots in your daily diet include:

  • Beetroot and its leaves are rich in compounds called betalains, which are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant in nature. Betalains help your body fight against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions such as obesity, cancers and heart disease.
  • The high nitrate content in beetroots can help keep your blood pressure in check. It does so by dilating your blood vessels and lowering your blood pressure.
  • Beets can also enhance athletic performance by improving your body’s usage of oxygen. This is due to the presence of nitrates in beets.
  • The fibre content in beetroots makes them beneficial for digestive health. It can further prevent digestive issues such as constipation, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), etc.
  • The nitrates in beets may help improve the functioning of the brain by promoting the dilation of blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the brain.
  • Beetroot contains folate, which plays a key role in growth, development, and heart health.

Don’t Have Time To Read?

  • Beetroots have an extensive nutritional profile and numerous health benefits. They are extremely low in calories and rich in important minerals and vitamins such as folate.
  • Beetroot may help you lose weight as it is low in calories and fat but rich in fibre and protein. The fibre and protein content in beetroot slows down digestion and keeps your stomach full for longer, thereby reducing overall calorie intake and promoting weight loss.
  • Though the best way to have beetroot for weight loss is by eating it raw, you can add beetroot in your weight loss diet by making its juice, beetroot cutlets, beetroot milkshake, salad, curry, or beetroot puree.
  • It is safe to consume 1 to 1½ cup (130 to 200 g) of beetroot daily. There is no particular time for you to include beetroot as a part of your weight loss diet. You can also have beetroot an hour before a meal. You can also enjoy beetroot or beetroot juice as a mid-meal snack.
  • Overconsumption of beetroots may lead to an increased risk of the formation of kidney stones. It can also cause problems with digestion in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Other health benefits of beetroots include lowered blood pressure, improved athletic performance, better digestive health, and lower risk of stroke and heart disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is beetroot juice good for weight loss?

Yes, beetroot juice can help you lose weight. Beetroot has fibre and protein, which can help you feel full for a longer period of time, prevent hunger pangs and reduce your calorie intake. However, make sure to not strain the juice when preparing it, as you might lose fibre.

Is carrot and beetroot juice good for weight loss?

Yes, carrot and beetroot juice is good for weight loss as it is extremely low in calories with just 62 calories in 1 cup (174 g) of it. It has the benefits of the fibre content of carrots and beets, which can help you feel full for a long time and reduce your overall calorie intake. Make sure the juice is not strained or artificially sweetened.

When should I take beetroot juice for weight loss?

There is no particular time to take beetroot juice for weight loss. You can have beetroot in any form, an hour before a meal to prevent overeating during the meal. You can also enjoy beetroot or beetroot juice as a mid-meal snack. This can help you consume fewer calories throughout the day and promote weight loss.

Can I drink beetroot juice daily for weight loss?

Yes, it is safe to drink beetroot juice daily for weight loss. However, stick to a daily portion size of 1-1½ cups of beetroot juice and do not strain the beetroot juice, to make sure the fibre content is intact.

Can I drink beetroot juice on an empty stomach?

Yes, you can drink beetroot juice on an empty stomach. There is no restriction on when you can drink beetroot juice and you should be able to reap its health benefits at any time.

Is beetroot good for weight loss?

Yes, beetroot may help in weight loss as it is rich in fibre and protein while being low in calories and fat. Fibre and protein can keep you feeling full for long, reduce your overall calorie intake, and promote weight loss.

Dr. Shivani Arora, MBBS

Dr. Shivani Arora, General Physician with Over 10 Years of Experience Dr. Shivani Arora, an esteemed alumna of Dayanand Medical College, brings over 10 years of dedicated experience as a general physician. Currently Working at Pulselogy, Dr. Arora is well-versed in a wide range of medical fields, including obstetrics, gynecology, family medicine, and handling medical emergencies. She is also a specialist in managing diabetes and blood pressure. Her extensive background in renowned hospitals and clinics has equipped her with the expertise and compassion to provide exceptional care to her patients

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