Smoothy Slim
Photo by cottonbro studio Pexels Logo Photo: cottonbro studio

Are pickled beets as healthy as regular beets?

Pickled beets are a convenient alternative to fresh beets. They're rich in nutrients and offer many of the same health benefits as their fresh counterparts but have a much longer shelf life.

What is the best fruit to eat every day?
What is the best fruit to eat every day?

20 Healthy Fruits That Are Super Nutritious Apples. One of the most popular fruits, apples are chock-full of nutrition. ... Blueberries....

Read More »
What time of day should I stop eating?
What time of day should I stop eating?

As a guide, stop eating two to three hours before bed to avoid weight gain. Finishing meals earlier than this may help boost weight loss. Losing...

Read More »
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

Contains a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favored beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »

Pickled beets are a convenient alternative to fresh beets. They’re rich in nutrients and offer many of the same health benefits as their fresh counterparts but have a much longer shelf life. However, pickled beets can also be high in salt and sugar, so you may wonder whether they’re truly good for you. This article discusses the pros and cons of eating pickled beets. Share on Pinterest Rich in nutrients Beets are a root vegetable that’s often pickled. Though pickling causes a small loss of nutrients, pickled beets remain a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Just 3.5 ounces (100 grams) provide ( 1 , 2 ): Calories: 65

65 Protein : less than 1 gram

: less than 1 gram Fat: less than 1 gram

less than 1 gram Carbs: 16 grams

16 grams Sugar: 11 grams

11 grams Fiber: less than 1 gram

less than 1 gram Copper: 13% of the Daily Value (DV)

13% of the Daily Value (DV) Manganese: 10% of the DV

10% of the DV Folate: 7% of the DV

7% of the DV Riboflavin: 4% of the DV

4% of the DV Magnesium: 4% of the DV

4% of the DV Vitamin C: 3% of the DV

3% of the DV Pantothenic acid: 3% of the DV

3% of the DV Vitamin B6: 3% of the DV

3% of the DV Choline: 3% of the DV They’re especially rich in natural sugars, copper, folate, and manganese. These nutrients help boost your energy levels, make DNA, regulate your immune system, and build and repair tissues and bones ( 3 , 4 , 5 ). Packed with beneficial compounds Beets are likewise a rich source of flavonoid and polyphenol antioxidants, which protect your body against disease by fighting unstable molecules called free radicals (6, 7, 8 ). In fact, beetroot is considered one of the 10 plants with the highest antioxidant activity. They’re especially rich in betalains and betanins, two polyphenols that give this veggie its deep red color (6). However, the pickling process reduces antioxidant levels by 25–70%. Thus, pickled beets contain lower antioxidant levels than those of other forms of beets (6, 9 ). Beets are also a rich source of nitrates and saponins ( 8 , 6). While nitrates help lower blood pressure and enhance athletic performance, saponins may boost immune and heart health ( 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ). Pickled beets made via fermentation or the addition of raw, unpasteurized vinegar also contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria linked to improved immune function, as well as better heart and digestive health ( 14 ). These types of pickled beets are difficult to find in most grocery stores, so you can either make your own or look for them at farmers markets. summary Beets are particularly rich in natural sugars, copper, folate, and manganese — nutrients that are needed for numerous bodily processes. They also boast antioxidants. May offer certain health benefits Pickled beets are linked to certain health benefits. May boost heart health Pickled beets are naturally rich in nitrates, which your body converts into nitric oxide. This molecule helps blood vessels dilate, which protects against high blood pressure ( 8 ). Research suggests that beet products can lower blood pressure by up to 10 mm Hg. However, this effect likely only lasts a few hours, so you need to eat nitrate rich-foods regularly to prolong this effect ( 15 , 16 ). Nitrates may also preserve endothelial function. The endothelium is a thin membrane lining the inside of your blood vessels that helps regulate blood clotting and immune function ( 8 , 17 ). May improve digestion In pickled beets made through natural fermentation, the healthy bacteria on beets’ skin break down their sugars over several days. Fermented pickled beets are rich in healthy bacteria called probiotics, which improve your digestion by making it easier for your body to break down foods and absorb their nutrients ( 18 , 19 ). Probiotics may also protect against toxins and harmful bacteria, as well as reduce gas, constipation, and bloating. What’s more, they may relieve symptoms of gut disorders like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease ( 19 ). May improve physical performance The nitrates in pickled beets may improve athletic ability by boosting your muscles’ power and performance ( 11 ). Some studies suggest that beetroot juice increases performance on timed endurance or high intensity exercise by around 3% ( 11 ). However, these effects appear strongest in untrained individuals and are typically observed with beetroot juice, not pickled beets. It’s unclear how many pickled beets you’d have to eat to see the same effects. May regulate your blood sugar levels Pickled beets may lower your blood sugar levels. Most varieties of pickled beets are made with vinegar, which studies suggest may reduce blood sugar and insulin levels after a meal ( 20 , 21 ). Experts believe that beets’ nitrates and antioxidants also keep blood sugar levels in check ( 8 ). In one study, concentrated beetroot juice caused a lower spike in blood sugar and insulin levels than a similar sugary beverage. Nonetheless, other studies failed to find the same result ( 8 , 22 ). What’s more, none of these studies examined the direct effect of pickled beets on blood sugar and insulin levels. Therefore, more research is needed. summary Pickled beets may improve digestion, physical performance, and heart health, as well as lower blood sugar and insulin levels.

How do I get my body out of fat storing mode?
How do I get my body out of fat storing mode?

Workout For More Than 30 Minutes: With 30 minutes of exercise, the body uses up glycogen stored in the muscles and when that gets exhausted, it...

Read More »
What is God's fruit?
What is God's fruit?

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” – Galatians 5:22-23. Those...

Read More »
Fizzy juice “eats through” 59lbs of stubborn fat
Fizzy juice “eats through” 59lbs of stubborn fat

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Possible downsides Depending on how they’re made, some varieties of pickled beets may pack salt and added sugars ( 23 , 24 ). Research links excess sugar and salt intake to poor health and an increased risk of illnesses like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it’s best to read labels carefully and pick varieties with little or no added sugar or salt, whenever possible ( 25 , 26 ). Beets are also rich in oxalates — compounds that may reduce nutrient absorption and promote kidney stones. Therefore, people predisposed to kidney stones may want to limit their intake ( 8 ). Though pickled beets may turn your urine pink or red, this side effect is harmless ( 8 ). summary Some varieties of pickled beets may harbor large amounts of added sugars or salts, so it’s best to check ingredient lists. These types are best avoided.

What is a healthy energy booster?
What is a healthy energy booster?

There are several natural energy boosters you can try if you're feeling low on energy. Eating a diet rich in fiber-rich foods, protein, and energy-...

Read More »
What is the safest form of vitamin C?
What is the safest form of vitamin C?

Form: Calcium Ascorbate or Ester C This form of vitamin C has a neutral pH and does not cause the body to become more acidic. Ester C provides good...

Read More »
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning

A potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favored beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »

What is the best breakfast for high blood pressure?
What is the best breakfast for high blood pressure?

What to Eat for Breakfast with High Blood Pressure Oatmeal. Oatmeal is high in fiber and low in sodium. ... Eggs. Eggs are high in protein and one...

Read More »
How can I cleanse my liver in 24 hours?
How can I cleanse my liver in 24 hours?

The 6-Step Liver Cleanse Remove toxic foods from your diet. Drink raw vegetable juice. Load up on potassium-rich foods. Do a coffee enema. Take...

Read More »
7-second natural hack eats through 64lbs of belly flab
7-second natural hack eats through 64lbs of belly flab

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
How many times should you poop a day?
How many times should you poop a day?

You don't need to poop every day to be regular. It's normal and healthy to have a bowel movement anywhere between three times a week to three times...

Read More »
Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab
Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
Can you eat bananas during a cleanse?
Can you eat bananas during a cleanse?

2. Bananas. While bananas sometimes get a bad rap for being high in sugars, they have plenty of fiber, too. “They help promote healthy gut flora...

Read More »