Doctors Reveal What Eating Beets Can Cause
Beets are a nutritious vegetable, but they can produce a few surprising effects that are worth knowing about.
1. Red or Pink Urine
After eating beets, some people notice that their urine turns pink or red. This is called beeturia and is usually harmless. The beet pigment betanin can pass through the digestive system and be filtered into the urine.
2. Red or Pink Stool
Beets can also make your stool look reddish. This can be alarming, but after recently eating beets, the color may simply come from their natural pigments.
3. Lower Blood Pressure
Beets are rich in dietary nitrates, which the body can convert into nitric oxide. Research suggests beetroot juice can modestly lower blood pressure in some people.
4. Digestive Discomfort
Eating large amounts may cause bloating or digestive upset in some people.
5. Kidney-Stone Concerns for Some People
Beets contain oxalates. People who are prone to certain types of kidney stones may need to discuss their intake with a healthcare professional.
Don’t Mistake Red Urine for Blood
If your urine is red or pink without a recent meal containing beets, or the color persists, don’t assume it’s from food. Blood in the urine can have other causes and should be medically evaluated.
