Reasons to Add Beetroot to Your Diabetes Diet?

Beetroot Benefits for Diabetes: Should You Eat It?

Beetroot is a root vegetable which is full of flavour and nutrients. It is used in juices, salads, and even baked goods. Now, a question arises as to whether people with diabetes can have beetroot or not. After all, beetroot has a natural sweetness which could elevate blood sugar levels. The good news is that beetroot offers helpful benefits for people with diabetes.

What is in Beetroot?

Beetroot is rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. It also contains fibre, vitamin C, potassium, folate, nitrates and iron. These nutrients are needed for your overall health, especially blood and heart circulation.

A cup of boiled beetroot has 13 grams of carbohydrates and 9 grams of sugar. While that might sound higher, beetroot has a low glycaemic index (GI). This means it does not cause any spike in blood sugar levels.

How Beetroot Helps People with Diabetes?

Here is a list of ways in which beetroot can help people with diabetes:

• Supports Better Blood Sugar Control : Even though beetroot contains natural sugars, it has a very low GI of around 61. This indicates that it releases sugar slowly into the blood. It helps to prevent any sharp spikes. There have been studies which suggest that beetroot juice improves insulin sensitivity. It refers to how well the body responds to insulin. A better insulin sensitivity means the body can manage blood sugar more effectively.
• Rich in Antioxidants : Beetroot has a high content of antioxidants, especially a group called betalains. It is what gives the fruit a deep red colour. Antioxidants help to protect the cells of the body from damage. For people who have diabetes, this is very important as having high blood sugar levels causes inflammation and stress in the body.
• Helps Lower Blood Pressure : People with diabetes have a higher risk of high blood pressure. The nitrates in beetroot help to widen blood vessels and improve blood flow. This leads to lower blood pressure and reduces the chances of an individual getting a stroke or heart disease, which are more commonly affecting people with diabetes.
• Improves Blood Flow and Exercise Performance : Beetroot has nitrates that help dilate the blood vessels. This improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure, which is crucial for people with diabetes. An enhanced circulation supports better oxygen delivery during physical activity. This, in turn, boosts stamina and exercise performance.
• Good Source of Fibre : Beetroots have a dietary fibre which slows down the digestion and absorption of sugar. This helps to maintain a steady level of glucose in the body. Fibre also aids in satiety, which aids in weight management. It is another very important factor in the management of diabetes. By including beetroot in meals, one can support their digestive system and actively help prevent blood sugar spikes after eating.

Beetroot offers a lot of valuable benefits for individuals with diabetes. Including it in a balanced diet can promote overall health and control blood sugar levels.