The purple superfood

Due to its moderate calorie content, beets can be consumed as an ingredient in salads or other vegetable dishes and used in weight-control diets, although portion size and seasoning should be considered. Furthermore, thanks to its fiber content, it provides a good feeling of satiety, thus limiting the consumption of other, more calorie-dense foods. This vegetable is rich in a type of organic acid known as oxalic acid. This compound, which is also abundant in spinach and chard, can form insoluble complexes in the intestine with minerals such as calcium and iron, preventing their absorption. However, some people are predisposed to forming calcium oxalate kidney stones, which is why beet consumption should be restricted in their diet. On the other hand, thanks to its high potassium and low sodium content, beets have a diuretic effect that promotes the elimination of excess fluids from the body. They are beneficial in cases of hypertension, hyperuricemia and gout, kidney stones (except calcium oxalate stones), fluid retention, and oliguria. The increased urine production eliminates not only fluids but also waste products dissolved in the urine, such as uric acid, urea, etc.