can you eat raw beetroot

Raw beetroot can be eaten and is safe for most people. It retains the maximum amount of nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, betalains, and nitrates when consumed raw. Raw beetroot is often eaten grated in salads, sliced thinly for sandwiches, or spiralized into noodles. However, raw beetroot may cause gastrointestinal illness in some cases if consumed from poor quality sources or if contaminated, as recorded in some outbreaks linked to raw grated beetroot. Cooking beets reduces this risk as it makes them easier to digest and lowers oxalate content, which is beneficial for people prone to kidney stones. Raw beetroot can also stain hands, cutting boards, and other surfaces red due to its strong pigment called betalains. Thus, eating raw beetroot is generally safe and nutritious, but it is important to wash it thoroughly and consume good quality beets.