Beetroot it is often dismissed as a seasonal food, but it has many uses and, unknown to many, can help people with diabetes. It has an impressive nutritional profile as it is high in valuable vitamins and minerals. It is rich in folate, a nutrient important for heart health, growth and development. It is also a good source of manganese, which is involved in insulin production and helps remove sugar from your blood. So it can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Nitrates, found in high concentrations in beets, can help reduce insulin resistance.
Beetroot it is low in carbohydrates compared to other root vegetables, making it a great choice for diabetics. It is a good source of fiber, which helps to increase the feeling of satiety and slow down the absorption of carbohydrates, thus preventing sudden fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Combining beetroot with protein-rich foods such as cottage cheese or legumes and healthy fats such as seeds can help lower the glycemic load of the meal.
This root vegetable is a good source of antioxidants, including compounds called betalains. These antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity, which could be beneficial for individuals with diabetes. They can reduce oxidative stress and free radicals in the body. Fewer free radicals in the body means a lower risk of diabetes complications such as retinopathy, kidney disease, neuropathy, diabetic foot disease and cardiovascular disease.
The only caveat? Have it in moderation, don’t overdo it and definitely don’t juice.
By consuming beetroot, diabetics can reduce complications resulting from their condition, such as nerve and eye damage due to the presence of alpha-lipoic acid. Added benefits come in the form of beetroot boosting hemoglobin levels. Betacyanin present in beets slows the growth of tumors.
To get the most nutrients, enjoy beets raw or choose methods like roasting instead of cooking to preserve water-soluble nutrients. As with any food, it’s important to consume beetroot in moderation and as part of a balanced diet to get the maximum benefit, as excessive intake can lead to sudden spikes in blood sugar.
Beetroot is a delicious and versatile vegetable that you can easily include in your diet in various forms. Enjoy its flavor by adding it to a hung curd dip or mixing it with regular hummus for a colorful twist. Enjoy healthy snacks like Roasted Beet Fries, or use in appetizers like Roasted and Grilled Beetroot. Pickled beets can provide you with good probiotics to boost gut health. Its noodles and spaghetti are perfect for your low calorie meals as they are not only tasty but also healthy compared to processed alternatives made from maida. In addition to plain water, you can add antioxidant-rich drinks to your diet, such as beetroot tomato soups, beetroot spiced buttermilk or beetroot ginger shots for optimal hydration.