Disclaimer: I am a caffeine fiend. I drink so much coffee that the barista at Pret regularly warns me, “It’s not good for your heart,” when I order my daily triple-shot flat white at 8 a.m. to kick-start my day.
Suffice it to say, since becoming pregnant and having to limit my caffeine allowance, I’ve been struggling. Prepregnancy, I also fueled my day with nootropics, Diet Cokes, and anything caffeine-infused to get me through the day. Now, with a toddler and job to contend with as well as self-diagnosed chronic fatigue, I’ve been desperately searching for a natural, caffeine-free energy boost.
I stumbled across a “fatigue fighter” juice, which was basically beetroot with a splash of apple, orange, celery, and ginger, and I haven’t looked back since. I instantly felt my energy surge to prepregnancy levels; in fact, I was absolutely buzzing. I used to drink a green juice on the daily and have always swerved beetroot in favor of leafy greens—but it turns out that the Jennifer Aniston–approved beetroot, hailed as the “super-root,” is a great way of sneaking in the nutritional benefits if you’re unable to stomach the earthy aroma or inky texture of greener juices.
Constantly keen to chase my first high, I found myself ordering my “fatigue fighter” beetroot juice every day. Of course, if you’re less lazy than me, or are on a tighter budget, you can make your own by washing one beet, chopping it into four to eight pieces, and feeding them through a blender. If you can’t stomach the taste, which is a little earthy and sweet, you can add a splash of orange or celery juice.
Sometimes I would down the entire bottle with my breakfast (though please note I didn’t replace any meal with my juice because food is life); some days I would slowly sip the juice throughout the day. On the days I did treat myself to a morning coffee, I’d save my beetroot juice to power me through the dreaded 3 p.m. slump, and it worked absolute wonders. After a month of mixing up my beet juice routine (LOL—who am I?), I found it most efficient when drunk in the afternoon. For those, like me, who dislike coffee beyond midday or often find themselves reaching for a sweet treat to power through an afternoon of Zoom calls, I can highly recommend adding this in as an energy-boosting alternative.
I didn’t experience any negative side effects, and I certainly didn’t miss the jittery crashes that often come after a coffee hit. My skin has also been glowing, and I’m going to credit the beetroot juice over my lackadaisical skin-care regimen.
I’ve waxed lyrical about my personal experience with beetroot juice, but what are the actual health benefits? Evelina Sabonaityte, MD, a clinical nutritionist, claims that beetroot juice is “nothing short of a nutrient-packed elixir.”
Here are some of the benefits of beetroot juice, according to Dr. Sabonaityte and Katy Kasraie, one of the doctors at The London General Practice.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals: Beetroot juice is a treasure trove of essential vitamins and minerals, including folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C.
- Promotes heart health: The nitrate content in beetroot gets converted into nitric oxide in the body. This compound helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure, which is crucial for cardiovascular health.
- Supports liver health: Beetroot juice contains betaine, which helps protect the liver from toxins and reduces inflammation.
- Bone health: It’s a food rich in nitrate, which is needed for bone health and contains bone-healthy nutrients including folate, vitamin C, magnesium, and copper.
- Improves sports performance: It contains high concentrations of nitrate, which are converted to nitric oxide after consumption. Nitric oxide’s vasodilatory effect on blood vessels can increase oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles and various organs, thereby contributing to sports performance.
- Reduces stress and anxiety: Beets contain uridine, a substance that helps maintain normal dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, which helps regulate brain health and control’s the brain’s reward, emotion, and pleasure centers.
- High in fiber: Which is essential to maintain good gut microbiome that helps with digestion and prevention of constipation and helps with those who have digestive health conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease.
According to Lee Mitchell, nutritionist and UK fitness ambassador for Renpho, beetroot juice has gained significant attention in the world of nutrition due to its potential energy-boosting benefits.
“One of the key advantages of consuming beetroot juice is its ability to boost energy levels,” Mitchell says. “This can be attributed to the presence of dietary nitrates in beetroots, which are converted to nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide plays a crucial role in vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels. This improved blood flow can lead to enhanced oxygen and nutrient delivery to various tissues—including muscles—which can result in increased energy production and reduced feelings of fatigue during physical activities.”
As well as its potential to boost energy, beetroot juice offers a range of other health benefits. It’s rich in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. “These components contribute to overall health and well-being by supporting the immune system, aiding in detoxification processes, and promoting cardiovascular health,” says Mitchell. “The high content of antioxidants—particularly betalains—in beetroot juice can help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.”
Like any dietary component, Mitchell says it’s important to be mindful of potential negative side effects. While beetroot juice can be a great addition to a balanced diet, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Kidney stones: Beetroots are naturally high in oxalates, compounds that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones in susceptible individuals. If you have a history of kidney stones or are prone to developing them, it’s advisable to consume beetroot juice in moderation and consult with a health care professional first.
- Blood sugar levels: Beetroots are moderately high in natural sugars, and consuming large quantities of beetroot juice could potentially affect blood sugar levels, especially in individuals with diabetes. Monitoring your blood sugar levels and consulting with a health care provider is important if you have diabetes.
- GI distress: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating or diarrhea, when consuming beetroot juice in excess. Gradually introducing beetroot juice into your diet can help your digestive system adapt.
This post was originally published in Glamour UK.
