When it comes to eating healthy and right during pregnancy, getting the best foods can be a never-ending quest. However, an unexpected option is gaining popularity which is beetroot juice. Being bright in color and earthy in taste, it offers many potential health benefits. But with too many food suggestions for pregnant women, Is drinking beetroot juice in pregnancy really a great idea?
Beetroots may or may not be on your list while you are pregnant. It is a root vegetable that has a range of colors but is mostly recognized as magenta. This magenta color vegetable has an earthy yet slightly sweet flavor. It pairs great with salads, smoothies, etc.
Beetroot juice is made from the taproot part of the beetroot plant. It is packed with various minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it best to prevent various health issues.
In this blog, we will debug the fact behind beetroot juice in pregnancy, whether it is beneficial or not. Moroever, we will also look into the nutritional profile of this magenta color juice and the downside of beetroot juice in pregnancy.
Beetroot Juice Nutritional Profile
Beetroots have an impressive nutritional profile which makes them an excellent choice to include in your diet during pregnancy.
One 8-ounce (240mL) of beet juice has 110 calories. The beetroot juice nutritional profile by the USDA is as follows:
| Names | Amount and Unit |
| Calories | 110 |
| Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 96mg |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 22g |
| Potassium | 3g |
| Protein | 701mg |
Is Beetroot Juice in Pregnancy Safe to Consume?
Beetroot and its juice are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which is why they are considered safe to consume during pregnancy.
Many studies have been performed on beetroot juice. Scientists have revealed that it is totally safe to consume beetroot juice in pregnant only in moderation.
It is advised that pregnant women should consume cooked, raw, or juiced beetroot. This earthy flavor vegetable is full of various nutrients that can protect the mother and the baby during this period.
Keep reading to learn about the benefits of beetroot for women in pregnancy!
Read More: 8 Beetroot Benefits to Boost Your Health
7 Benefits of Beetroot Juice in Pregnancy
Some of the major benefits of beetroot juice in pregnancy are as follows:
1. Keeps Stomach in Good Condition
During pregnancy, hormones fluctuate and can slow down the digestion. To ensure healthy digestion, one should consume fiber-rich foods that can relieve constipation.
Beetroots are rich in fiber and can help with digestion by preventing constipation.
A single cup of beets has approximately 4 grams which is about 14% of the daily recommended intake of 28 grams.
2. Reduces the Risk of Anemia
Pregnant women are susceptible to iron-deficiency anemia and need iron to fulfill its needs in the body. Anemia can cause symptoms like weakness and fatigue. Beetroots are full of iron.
Beetroot juice is a rich source of iron for females and pregnant women. It can prevent iron deficiency anemia by providing a sufficient iron mineral to the body.
Experts recommend taking 30 to 60 milligrams (mg) of iron per day. Beetroots are an excellent plant-based source of iron minerals and are great for vegetarians.
Useful Tip: Slice beetroots and mix it with kale and add a light lemon oil dressing to make a refreshing salad.
3. Reduces the Risk of Birth Defects
Every mother wants a healthy baby and to ensure this beetroots can help. As they are enriched with folic acid; therefore, they can lessen the risk of birth abnormalities. Moreover, they also aid in the development of the spinal cord of the baby.
Some scientists are researching beetroots and their potential to prevent fetal growth restriction. The issues with the placenta can cause growth restriction. The blood flow in the placenta can be improved by the nitrates. Beets have nitrate so they can contribute to preventing fetal growth restriction.
However, more research is needed to analyze the benefits of beetroot and nitrate supplementation in pregnant women.
Read More: 5 Astonishing Chukandar Benefits You Must Know
4. Maintains Weight
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends taking an extra 340 calories daily and starting this in the second trimester if you have a single baby. However, if you are going to have twins, the quantity increases to 600 calories per day.
In this regard, beetroot juice is a great addition to the diet as they are full of vitamin C, fiber, potassium, folate, iron, and manganese. They all are low in calories (70 cal/cup) and have 87% of water content.
5. Reduces the Immunity Deficiency Risk
Beetroots are packed with antioxidants. Thus drinking beetroot juice during pregnancy can protect the person from various infections and sicknesses. Moroever, it also strong the overall immune system of a person, as it is crucial for pregnant women.
چقندر کا استعمال شوبز کے ستارے کیوں کرتے ہیں
6. Reduces the Risk of Preeclampsia
Scientists in 2018 are experimenting with whether supplementing diet with beetroot juice (nitrates) can lower blood pressure or not, specifically about the risk of preeclampsia.
Beetroot juice alone can’t reduce blood pressure. However, a recent study in 2020 reported that pregnant mice showed some positive results. Moreover, mice who got beetroot juice had lower blood pressure and improved vascular function when compared to the control.
However, research is required in humans to analyze its possible benefits.
7. May Prevent Neural Tube Defects
Beetroots are a great source of folic acid or folate. Consuming folic acid in sufficient amounts can prevent many developmental issues at birth, including spina bifida and anencephaly.
According to the CDC, one should get 400 micrograms of folic acid or folate every day during pregnancy.
Some high-risk pregnancies need more amount of folic acid than others.
It is not possible to fulfill the folate requirements from diet alone. Therefore, along with taking beet juice, you should also take a prenatal vitamin that has folate or folic acid.
Moroever, it is suggested to talk to the best gynecologist in Pakistan before taking any supplements or vitamins on your own in pregnancy.
تھکاوٹ دور کرنے کے لیے 9 قدرتی اجزاء جو آپ نہیں جانتے
Side Effects of Beetroot Juice in Pregnancy
Generally, there aren’t any side effects of beetroot juice in pregnancy.
- One should be aware of eating beetroots as they can make your feces and urine red or pink.
Scientists call this situation beeturia and it can affect approximately 14% of the population. It is harmless but can be alarming.
If you have frequently pink or red urine or stools after having beets, then you should tell the doctor.
- If you are prone to kidney stones or have them, then it may lead to more kidney stones as they are rich in oxalates. Therefore, you should talk to your doctor first.
- Beetroots are high in sugar in comparison to other vegetables. Therefore, one should have them in moderation to avoid any health concerns, or else they can cause gestational diabetes or unwanted weight gain.
If beetroot juice is consumed in moderation, then there aren’t any side effects of it.
چقندر جوانی اور خوبصورتی رکھے برقرار
Moderation is Key
If you are thinking about incorporating beetroot juice into the pregnancy diet, it is crucial to be moderate.
On one side, it provides essential nutrients while on the other having too much beet juice can cause problems.
You can go for fresh beet juice or mix it with water. It can lower the sugar content.
However, if you are pregnant, then it is better to talk to the doctor before making any changes in your diet.
Best Time to Drink Beetroot Juice During Pregnancy
It is often said that the best time to drink beetroot juice during pregnancy is on an empty stomach in the morning. However, it is a myth. You can consume beetroots and beetroot juice at any time of the day. Moreover, it is recommended to pair beetroot juice with a meal to support better blood sugar control.
Additionally, the first 3 months of pregnancy is the time when the spine of the baby develops, so pregnant women should have beetroot or its drink during this time to prevent any birth defects risk.
Moving forward, the best time to drink beetroot juice during pregnancy depends on personal preferences, and how the body reacts to it. Some women find it useful to drink it in the morning on an empty stomach. While others may prefer to drink it with a meal to avoid any stomach discomfort.
Key Takeaways
Beetroot juice is a valuable addition to a pregnancy diet as it provides essential nutrients that are important for fetal and maternal well-being. On the other hand, its overconsumption can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, gestational diabetes, beeturia, etc.
It is advised to drink beet juice in moderate amounts every day only after consulting with the best nutritionist in Lahore via Marham. pk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it safe to drink beetroot juice during pregnancy?
Yes. It is safe to drink beetroot juice during pregnancy but only in moderation. One should consume beet juice in pregnancy after taking advice from the doctor.
2. Does beetroot increase hemoglobin levels in pregnancy?
As pregnant women are more prone to anemia; therefore, to prevent this condition they should intake beetroot juice. It can increase hemoglobin levels in third-trimester pregnant women
3. When is the best time to drink beetroot juice?
In the morning nitric oxide levels are generally low, so one should drink beetroot juice in the morning. It should be the first time to drink when you wake up.
4. What juice is good when pregnant?
Pomegranate and orange juice are best for pregnant women. Pomegranate juice is rich in folate while orange juice is packed with vitamin C and potassium.
5. Is beetroot good for first trimester pregnancy?
Eating beetroot in the second trimester is an effective way to take in the nutrients that promote a healthy pregnancy and childbirth.
6. Can I drink raw beetroot juice during pregnancy?
Yes. You can drink raw beetroot juice during pregnancy; however, you should drink the juice only in moderate amounts or as recommended by the doctor.