Beet supplements are made from beetroot, a vegetable used in many dishes. It is often praised in the plant and vegetable community as it boasts a variety of vitamins and minerals and has even been used in natural medicine practices to treat liver disease, improve digestion, and lower triglyceride levels.
Because beet supplements are derived from a vegetable, they are usually safe for consumption and offer a more natural, holistic approach to preventing and potentially healing certain diseases. Beets are powerful antioxidants packed with a great nutrition panel, but let’s take a deeper look to see if beet supplements are just as beneficial as their whole-food counterpart.
The Different Types Of Beet Supplements
The most common types of beet supplements include beet powder, beet capsules, and beet juice. Beetroot powder is definitely the most popular and accessible option. It’s often more affordable and also offers high beet content in just a small amount of 1 tsp. In contrast, 1 cup of beet juice has the same properties, but with more carbohydrates and calories. Beet powder can be bought on its own or as part of a blend with other ingredients and superfoods.
Beet Supplement Benefits
Beet supplements can prove beneficial for our health in many ways. The following are some of the more researched benefits:
- May help reduce blood pressure
- May help enhance athletic performance
- Acts as an antioxidant in the body
- May help improve digestion
- May help treat liver disease
- May help lower triglyceride levels
- May help fight inflammation
- May have anti-cancer abilities
- Could potentially help with weight management
- May help improve mental and cognitive function
Many of the benefits associated with beet supplements are due to the nitrates. For example, nitrates may help improve cognitive function. If you are consuming beets in dietary form, note that boiling beets reduces the nitrate content as nitrates are water-soluble.
Should I Take Beet Supplements?
Beet supplements can be taken by most people as beet supplements usually involve just beets as the ingredient. However, there are some other products, like digestive blends, that contain other ingredients that may not agree with you. Always research the specific ingredients in your supplements and consult with a doctor to determine if you should take them.
However, it should be noted that individuals with low blood pressure or those taking blood pressure medications should consult with their doctor before taking beet supplements. This is because the nitrates in beetroot may lower your blood pressure. Beet supplements often come in powdered form as well, so the taste may put people off.
Do Beet Supplements Really Work?
Beet supplements are relatively new to the market, so they are still being researched. Nonetheless, besides blood pressure concerns, beet supplements are safe for use and rarely have any negative side effects, so it can’t hurt to take them. However, eating the source of the supplement, which is beets/ beetroot, may prove more beneficial and might be more absorbed by your body.
Beet supplements can be a better option though too as they offer a stronger dosage of beets to optimize the health benefits. Some studies have definitely proven the efficacy of beet supplements, including a 2017 review of 43 studies that proved beetroot juice supplementation lowered blood pressure significantly.
Best Beet Supplements
Naturevibe Botanicals Beetroot Powder
This raw and non-GMO beetroot powder comes highly rated. This powder is low in calories and is recommended for use in soups, sauces, and smoothies. It also is one of the more reasonably priced options.
Bulk Supplements Beetroot Powder
Bulk Supplements is a popular health and wellness company. They have a good amount of health supplements, such as Bulk Supplements Creatine Monohydrate and this one – Bulk Supplements Beetroot Powder. This is another highly rated beetroot powder. It contains 3500 mg of beetroot per serving and has no other ingredients, additives, or fillers. It is also lab tested for purity and is definitely a more affordable option.
Natural Elements Beetroot Capsules
This is one of the more highly rated beet capsules on the market. It is affordable and contains 1200 mg of beetroot per serving. The product does not contain any additives or fillers and it is certified organic.
Beet Supplement Alternatives
Consuming beets on their own is a great alternative for those who are not wanting to take beet supplements, especially as they are often more pricey. Beets can be added to smoothies, salads, and are often used in veggie burger recipes. Other dietary sources that provide nitrates include the following:
- Celery
- Radish
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Dark chocolate
- Garlic
- Smoked salmon
- Citrus fruits
- Leafy greens
In general, beets boast a great nutritional panel with many different vitamins and minerals. However, this nutrient-dense vegetable can often be interchanged with other fruits and vegetables, especially when it comes to nitrate content.
Promoting Your Health With Beets
Beets are a very nutrient-dense vegetable. Making them a part of your diet can prove beneficial for your overall health. For individuals looking for more potent beet options to maximize benefits, beetroot supplements can be great. The most popular and easy to use form is beet powder and can be added to smoothies, soups, and gravies. In addition to beet supplements, there are also beet superfoods, such as HumanN SuperBeets, and beet workout powders, like Beetelite. Although beet supplements are still being researched, some studies have proven them to be effective in lowering blood pressure and increasing athletic performance. Try them out if you’re looking for a new supplement to add to your routine, but consulting with a doctor first is advisable.
