Doctors Reveal That Eating Beets Causes…” — What Does It Really Cause?
This headline leaves out an important detail: for most people, beets are a nutritious food, not something dangerous to avoid. They provide fiber and plant compounds with antioxidant properties.
One surprising effect: red urine or stool
Beets contain a red pigment called betanin. Some people don’t completely break it down, causing urine or stool to become pink or red. This is called beeturia and is generally harmless.
If you’ve eaten beets and notice red urine, it can therefore be food coloring rather than blood. However, don’t automatically assume every episode of red urine is from beets.
A few people should be more cautious
- Kidney-stone history: Beets contain oxalates, which can contribute to calcium-oxalate stone formation in susceptible people.
- Low blood pressure or blood-pressure medication: Beetroot’s naturally occurring nitrates can lower blood pressure, so large amounts of beet juice may not be appropriate for everyone.
- Persistent red urine: If you haven’t eaten beets recently, or the discoloration continues beyond roughly 48 hours, it should be medically evaluated because blood in urine can have important causes.
