Choose firm and smooth beets. Avoid beets that are either soft or shriveled. Some prefer beets that are small, some prefer medium size and some prefer large size. The size you choose is a personal preference.

Beets are probably one of the most powerful vegetables available. Beets are known for causing both stools and urine to turn red and if this happens, don't be surprised.

Never drink beet juice by itself. Beet juice should always be mixed with other vegetables and/or apple juice. Pure beet juice (from the bulb or greens) can temporarily paralyze your vocal chords, make you break out in hives, increase your heart rate, cause chills or a fever.

Beets are best used in small amounts. I never use more than 1 to 2 ounces of beet juice (approximately ½ a small beet or ¼ a large beet).

Use moderately. Both the roots and greens are powerful cleansers of the body. Beets are said to really cleanse the blood and kidneys and this is why it is suggested you use beets moderately.

Beets (including beet greens) are high in oxalic acid and therefore should be avoided by those who suffer from or are at risk for kidney stones, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and those whose stomach is easily irritated. Read my notes on oxalic acid for more information.

Since beets are high in oxalic acid, you should also avoid combining beets with other vegetables that are high in calcium, such as broccoli. Oxalic acid combines with calcium to create an indigestible compound. You should also avoid eating calcium rich food immediately after eating or juicing beets or any food high in oxalic acid. This includes foods like tofu.

Beets have a very nice taste and I really enjoy both the color of beet juice and the flavor. But do make sure you realize that beets are a tremendously powerful vegetable.

Consider mixing beets with apples, cucumber, carrots, etc.

Properties:

Energy: neutral
5 Elements: earth
5 Flavors: sweet

General Information:

Nothing to report.

Cautions & Suggestions:

Nothing to report.

Benefits:

Jesse's fingers are currently on holiday and taking a break. He will be accepting new questions after a rest.

You can read and view questions that have been asked in my juicing questions and answers section.

1. Blanching vegetables before freezing
2. Juicing Gave Me An Upset Stomach
3. Why are only apples the only fruit that can be mixed with vegetables while juicing?
4. Is a pint of juice too much?
5. My Husband Got A Stomach Ache From His Juice?
6. Juicing while pregnant and breastfeeding (nursing).
7. Is it okay to store juice and drink it later?
8. Can I drink more than 1/2 pint (1 cup) of juice per day?
9. What are good juicing combinations? What juicing combinations should be avoided?
10. Can the body detoxify too fast?