Beetroot or beet, is a very nutritious root, offering an excellent supply of iron, fiber and vitamins which make its consumption really beneficial for your health and body. However, it's not the most popular of foods in many households, so sometimes we don't know the proper way to eat it or if it can be eaten raw. Of course you can eat it raw, thereby taking advantage of its benefits which are lost in cooking. But, just in case you don't know where to start, we at OneHowTo.com explain how to eat raw beets, and when it is not advisable to eat this food.
Eat raw beets in salads
One of the most popular forms to eat raw beets is by adding it to a salad. For this, you can grate it or serve it in very thin slices. Sliced or grated beetroot usually goes very well with potato, boiled egg, lettuce, tomato and other vegetables such as carrots - a delicious alternative and one which is very easy to make.
This food is rich in iron and fibre, which makes it perfect for combatting anaemia and improving the intestinal transit respectively. It is also high in folic acid, which makes it useful for pregnant women.
Consuming raw beet in vegetable juices
Another great way to incorporate raw beetroot into your diet is by consuming it in natural juices. One of the most popular is orange, carrot and beetroot juice, known as a 3 in 1. Thanks to its high content of vitamin C, beta-carotene, iron and minerals, it is ideal for nourishing your body.
To make this juice, you will need:
- 1 litre of orange juice
- 1 beet
- 1 carrots
Wash and peel the carrots and beetroot. Chop and add all ingredients to a blender or food processor to form a juice, and then strain to get more liquid out. If necessary, you can sweeten it with a teaspoon of honey. Preferably drink it when fresh.
Drinking beet in alcohol
And if you’re looking for a more interesting way to consume shrubs, take a look at this cocktail beet shrub recipe! To make this delicious shrub cocktail, take 6 ½ cups of lemon and beet shrub, 12 ounces of vodka, 24 ounces of seltzer, 12 wedges of pickled green tomato, and some ice. Mix the vodka and shrub together, fill 12 glasses with ice, add shrub mixture to them, and top off with seltzer. Do the garnishing with pickled green tomato wedges.
When is eating beet not recommended?
Although beetroot is full of benefits, it is important to limit your consumption if:
- You're prone to kidney stones, as this food is rich in oxalates which contribute to their formation.
- You suffer from gout or arthritis, in which case oxalates can be harmful to you.
- You suffer from high blood pressure or you need to eat a low-salt diet, because this food is rich in sodium.
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