If you’re asking what the claim about eating beets is referring to, beets can have several well-established effects:
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Red or pink urine/stool: Beetroot pigments can temporarily turn urine or stool red. This is called beeturia and is generally harmless.
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Lower blood pressure: Beets are rich in dietary nitrates, which the body can convert into nitric oxide. This can relax blood vessels and modestly lower blood pressure in some people.
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Exercise effects: Dietary nitrates may improve exercise efficiency and endurance for some people.
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Digestive benefits: Beets provide fiber, which supports regular bowel movements and gut health.
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Kidney stones: Beets contain relatively high amounts of oxalates. People who have calcium-oxalate kidney stones may need to moderate high-oxalate foods depending on their clinician’s advice.
So if the viral post says doctors discovered that beets cause something alarming, the specific claim needs to be checked rather than assumed from the headline. Beetroot is generally a nutritious food for most people.
