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How to Drink Beet Juice?

Published in Nutrition 3 mins read

To drink beet juice, remove any large chunks, optionally strain the juice, and then chill and enjoy. Here's a detailed guide:

Preparing Your Beet Juice

Before you can enjoy beet juice, you need to prepare it properly. This involves juicing the beets and removing any unwanted pulp.

Juicing Beets

The process for juicing beets is straightforward:

  1. Wash the Beets: Thoroughly wash fresh beets to remove any dirt or debris.
  2. Prepare the Beets: Trim off the leafy greens (you can juice these too!) and the root end. Peel the beets if desired, although the peel contains nutrients.
  3. Juice the Beets: Use a juicer to extract the juice from the prepared beets.

Straining (Optional)

While not strictly necessary, straining beet juice can improve its texture:

  1. Use a Strainer: Line a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth with a clean cloth or multiple layers of cheesecloth.
  2. Strain the Juice: Pour the freshly juiced beetroot juice through the strainer to remove any remaining pulp. Discard the pulp.

Drinking Beet Juice

Now that your beet juice is prepared, here's how to drink it:

Serving Suggestions

  • Chill: Refrigerate the beet juice for at least 30 minutes for a cooler, more refreshing experience.
  • Drink Straight: You can drink beet juice as is, enjoying its earthy flavor.
  • Mix with Other Juices: Combine beet juice with other juices like apple, carrot, ginger, or orange to enhance the taste and nutritional profile.
  • Add to Smoothies: Incorporate beet juice into your favorite smoothie recipes for a vibrant color and added health benefits.
  • Dilute with Water: If the flavor is too intense, dilute the beet juice with water.

Dosage and Timing

  • Start Small: Begin with a small serving (around 4 ounces) to assess your tolerance. Beet juice can cause beeturia (red urine) and, in some cases, digestive upset if consumed in large quantities.
  • Gradual Increase: Gradually increase the amount as tolerated.
  • Pre-Workout: Some athletes drink beet juice before workouts, as it may improve athletic performance due to its nitrate content.
  • Throughout the Day: You can drink beet juice at any time of day, but consider consuming it with a meal to aid digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Important Considerations

  • Nitrate Content: Beet juice is high in nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide can help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.
  • Beeturia: Don't be alarmed if your urine turns red after drinking beet juice. This is a harmless condition called beeturia.
  • Digestive Issues: Some people may experience digestive discomfort, such as bloating or gas, after consuming beet juice. Starting with a small amount can help minimize these effects.
  • Medication Interactions: Consult with your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications, especially blood thinners or blood pressure medications, before regularly consuming beet juice.

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