Beetroot vs Carrot – Which is Healthier?

Our Verdict

When comparing beetroot to carrots, we picked the carrots.

Why?

It was close! And beetroot does have its advantages, but we say carrots win on balance.

In terms of macros, these two root vegetables are close to identical, down to both having 9.57g carbs per 100g, and 2.8g fiber per 100g. Technically, beetroot has a smidgen more protein, but nobody’s eating these for their tiny protein content. So, a tie in this category.

In the category of vitamins, it’s not close and the margins are mostly huge: beetroot has a little more vitamin B9, while carrots have a lot more of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, E, and K. Thus, a clear win for carrots in this round.

Looking at minerals next, superficially it swings the other way, but the margins this time are small. Nevertheless, beetroot has more copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc, while carrots have more calcium. The margins of difference being small, this means a modest victory for beetroot here.

In other considerations, beetroot has a generous betalain content and especially betanin, while carrots have more carotenoids (who’d have guessed?). So, we’re calling this round a tie.

Adding up the sections gives an even result, but the tie-breaker is the huge margins in the vitamins category, so carrots take the overall win today. But by all means do enjoy either or both, as diversity is best!

Want to learn more?

You might like to read:

Beetroot For More Than Just Your Blood Pressure

Take care!