Carrot Beetroot Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Introduction

Easily available, bright and delicious, a carrot is a seasonal root. It is an inexpensive vegetable loaded with nutrients. It contains a good amount of beta-carotene (vitamin A). Beetroot, on the other hand, is a red-bulb root and is densely packed with antioxidants¹.  

Blending both these ingredients can make a truly nutrient-rich juice to sip on don’t you think? Carrot and beetroot juice can be a healthier, refreshing drink than many other juices, and one that will surely refresh and rejuvenate you. 

Carrot beetroot juice contains a high amount of essential bioactive compounds, making it an excellent morning drink to kick-start your day. It has beneficial properties necessary for our daily functioning¹.

Nutritional Value of Carrot Beetroot Juice

Carrot beetroot juice contains bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins, carotenoids, vitamin C, sugars, antioxidants, betanin and phenols¹. The nutritional value of carrot beetroot juice is as follows: 

• Energy: 42 kcal  
• Carbohydrate: 9.7 g 
• Protein: 0.84 g
• Sugar: 6.33 g
• Fibre: 0.4 g 
• Iron: 0.15 mg 
• Calcium: 8 mg 
• Sodium: 21 mg
• Vitamin A: 3800 IU  
• Vitamin C: 35.4 mg 

Properties of Carrot Beetroot Juice

Carrot beetroot juice contains an excellent source of antioxidants¹. It may have the following properties: 

• It may have antioxidant potential¹.
• It may have anti-carcinogenic action (may have a negative effect on cancer cell development)¹.  
• It may have anti-inflammatory action¹.
• It may stimulate an immune response (may be helpful in cancer)¹.  
• It may have a blood sugar-lowering effect³.  

Potential Uses of Carrot Beetroot Juice

The health benefits of beetroot and carrot juice may be because of the phytonutrients that both these roots are high on, such as vitamins and minerals. Some of the potential uses of carrot beetroot juice are discussed as follows: 

1. Potential uses of Carrot Beetroot Juice for leukaemia (blood cancer)  

The health benefits of carrot beetroot juice may extend to helping in (leukaemia) blood cancer. A case report by Marie Christine et al. (2015)² demonstrated that drinking beet carrot  juice might be beneficial for overcoming the problems related to leukaemia. They showed that it might benefit lack of appetite and a sense of general well-being and increase daily activities. The carrot beetroot juice may also be used with anti-cancer drugs. Hence, this study suggested that carrot beetroot juice may have some beneficial effects on leukaemia and may be useful for patients battling blood cancer⁴. 

However, further study is required to demonstrate the benefit of carrot beetroot juice in managing leukaemia-related problems in humans, as these results are insufficient. Therefore, it is essential to see a doctor before relying only on carrot beetroot juice for leukaemia. 

2. Potential uses of Carrot Beetroot Juice for inflammation  

Carrot beetroot juice may have a beneficial anti-inflammatory effect. A high amount of antioxidant carotenoids such as beta-carotene, polyphenols and vitamins found in carrots may contribute to this biological property. It may help neutralise the effects of free radicals. Flavonoids and phenolic derivates in carrot beetroot juice might play an important role similar to antioxidants. They may be helpful in lowering inflammation⁵. 

These studies are insufficient and further studies are essential to prove the potential use of carrot beetroot juice to overcome inflammation in humans. 

3. Other Potential Uses of Carrot Beetroot Juice  

• Carrot beetroot juice contains antioxidants and phytochemicals that might have a beneficial effect on maintaining blood sugar levels^3,5.  
• Carrot beetroot juice may have anti-cancer and cytotoxic action. It might be helpful in decreasing the chances of cancer cell development³. 
• Beetroot and carrot juice may help with keeping the skin healthy and vibrant. It contains the antioxidant vitamin C which is known to be beneficial for skin health⁵.
• The benefits of drinking carrot beetroot juice daily might be beneficial in combating issues with hair. It contains vital vitamins which are useful for hair growth; benefitting hair health⁵.

Despite research demonstrating the advantages of carrot beetroot juice for a number of health conditions, the findings are insufficient. Therefore, further investigation is required to clarify the full scope of carrot beetroot juice’s health advantages for people.  

From my experience, when beetroot is consumed alone, it may help in lowering the risks of heart disease and stroke. Folate (Vitamin B9), which is abundant in beets, supports cell growth and function. Folate is essential for preventing blood vessel deterioration.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Make Carrot Beetroot Juice

This vibrant juice is a perfect way to kickstart your day or provide a midday energy boost. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, this easy-to-make juice offers numerous health benefits in every sip.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized carrots
• 1 medium-sized beetroot
• 1-inch piece of ginger
• 1-2 tablespoons of honey (optional for sweetness)
• Water (as needed)

Step-by-Step Recipe:

• Wash and peel the carrots and beetroot. Cut them into small pieces for easier blending.
• Peel the ginger and chop it into smaller chunks.
• In a blender or juicer, add the carrot, beetroot and ginger pieces.
• Blend or juice the ingredients until smooth. If using a blender, you may need to add some water to achieve a liquid consistency.
• Taste the juice and add honey if you prefer a sweeter taste. Honey is optional and can be omitted if you prefer the natural flavour of the vegetables.
• Once the juice is well blended and sweetened to your liking, strain it through a fine-mesh strainer or a nut milk bag to remove any pulp and fibre.
• Pour the freshly prepared carrot beetroot juice into a glass and it’s ready to be served!
• For the best taste and nutrition, consume the juice immediately. If you prefer it chilled, you can refrigerate it for a short while before serving.

How to Use Carrot Beetroot Juice

Carrot beetroot juice is a nutrient-dense beverage. It may be used in the following ways: 

• Carrot beetroot juice can be prepared by blending fresh carrots and beetroot 
• It can be used as a refreshing drink 
• It can be used with soymilk 
• It can be mixed with our fruit juices 

Before taking herbal supplements, you should discuss them with a clinician. Without seeking expert medical advice, never substitute your regular medication with herbal or ayurvedic medicines. 

Even when beetroot is alone, it’s a hero! During physical activity, beetroot and its juice may assist your heart and lungs function more effectively. Beets contain nitric oxide, which may improve blood flow to your muscles. I suggest the consumption of beetroot when exercising as it may help to increase their performance.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Side Effects of Carrot Beetroot Juice

There are no relevant data suggesting that drinking carrot beetroot juice has any side effects. Therefore, more research is needed to determine the harmful effects of carrot beetroot juice on health. 

The Ayurvedic doctor who recommended carrot beetroot juice to you should be contacted right away if any side effects are experienced after having it. They will treat you appropriately.  

Precautions to Take with Carrot Beetroot Juice

Drinking carrot beetroot juice in moderation may be safe. However, precautions need to be followed. 

• There are not sufficient facts available to suggest the safe use of carrot beetroot juice for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Therefore, it is essential to take medical advice before using the juice as a herb.    
• People must be cautious while giving carrot beetroot juice to small children and the elderly because their immunity is less active and might develop reactions.    
• The use of herbs for self-medication is not recommended, especially without seeking a doctor’s advice. Beetroot juice contains a high amount of nitrates. So, people need to consider the possibility that drinking excess carrot beetroot juice might increase nitrate levels above the acceptable limit, producing harmful compounds in the body. Therefore, people should take precautions and limit the usage of carrot beetroot juice. However, a doctor’s advice is always a preferable option to being on the safer side.  

I recently read in an article that carrots, when taken alone, may be safe to consume as food. But if consumed in significantly higher doses for several weeks, the skin may become yellow after consuming carrots. Carrots are known to be rich in beta-carotene which increases pigmentation.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Interactions with Other Drugs

The combination of carrot beetroot juice and other drugs is not well understood scientifically. Therefore, the assumption that there are no interactions at all is unwise. 

Therefore, it is best to follow an Ayurvedic physician’s advice, who will suggest how to consume the juice as a herb in the optimal method. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Arora S, Siddiqui S, Gehlot R. Physicochemical and Bioactive Compounds in Carrot and Beetroot Juice. Asian J of Dairy and Food Res. 2019;38(03):252–6. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337453114_Physicochemical_and_Bioactive_Compounds_in_Carrot_and_Beetroot_Juice 
2. Shakib MC, Gabrial SG, Gabrial GN. Beetroot-carrot juice intake either alone or in combination with antileukemic drug ‘Chlorambucil’ as a potential treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2015 Jun 15;3(2):331–6. doi: 10.3889/oamjms.2015.056. Epub 2015 Jun 2. PMID: 27275246; PMCID: PMC4877878. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4877878/
3. Sepide Miraj. Chemistry and pharmacological effect of beta vulgaris: A systematic review Sepide Miraj. Scholars Research Library. 2016;8(19):404–9. Available from: http://eprints.skums.ac.ir/866/1/5.pdf 
4. Shakib M, Gabrial S, Gabrial G. Beetroot-Carrot Juice Intake either Alone or in Combination with Antileukemic Drug ”Chlorambucil” As A Potential Treatment for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. J of Med Sci. 2015;3(2):331–6. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4877878/pdf/OAMJMS-3-331.pdf 
5. Singh M, Srivastava R, Yadav I. Study of different varietis of carrot and its benefits for human health: A review. J of Pharma and Phyto. 2021;10(1):1239–99. Available from: https://web.archive.org/web/20210813165551id_/https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2021/vol10issue1/PartR/10-1-180-561.pdf 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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