Sugar beet

The juice from the pulp of the roots and leaves of the plant is used in folk medicine to treat diseases such as anemia, having been used as an aphrodisiac by the Romans. It is currently seen as a functional food, taking advantage of the betanin present in its root, considered a potential protector against oxidative stress.

However, cautious consumption is advised in patients with diabetes mellitus or pre-diabetics, individuals with hypoglycemia, polymedicated patients and patients with renal failure. (Beetroot leaf preparations can cause kidney stones)

In addition to what has been reported, beetroot can interact with some medications, potentially aggravating the disease state, including medications that lower cholesterol and some that are consumed orally, as the saccharin in beetroot (fiber ) can decrease the rate at which these drugs are eliminated from the body. Consuming beetroot involves monitoring blood sugar levels, therapy and monitoring the patient's health status.

Bibliography:

• Briskin, BS and Demidov, DA. [Enterosorption with pectin-containing medication in the treatment of peritonitis]. Khirurgiia (Mosk) 2005;(4):14-19.

• Cossack, ZT and Musaiger, AO. Effect on lipid metabolism of beet fibre in desert nomads with low habitual fibre intake, Eur J Clin Nutr 1991; 45(2):105-110.

• Stevens, J, Ahn, K, Juhaeri, et al. Dietary fiber intake and glycemic index and incidence of diabetes in African-American and white adults: the ARIC study. Diabetes Care 2002;25(10):1715-1721

• Tamme, T, Reinik, M, Roasto, M, et al. Nitrates and nitrites in vegetables and vegetable-based products and their intakes by the Estonian population. Food Addit Contam 2006;23(4):355-361