The health benefits of beetroot powder (and juice) are far-reaching and critical to staying healthy. And there are some brain benefits! You have probably heard about beetroot as the newest superfood. It’s one of the purple fruits and vegetables that are known to have high levels of antioxidants. Purple carrots, purple sweet potatoes, red cabbage, eggplant, and red grapes are examples of other purple fruits and vegetables. Today the focus is on beetroot.
Beets contain especially high levels of nitrates, which convert to nitric oxide (NO) in the blood. This is very good for the cardiovascular system and increasing oxygen delivery throughout the body. We’ll get into this more later.
People have a love/hate relationship with this hearty, sweet root. You either love or hate the flavor and texture. More palatable forms have been developed to make it easier for you to take advantage of all its amazing health benefits. Let’s talk about it.
Beetroot – The Basics
Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) is a root vegetable also known as red beet, table beet, garden beet, or simply beet. Beets are loaded with vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, and many phytonutrients like betalains and nitric oxide. It even provides some fiber (Bjarnadottir, 2019).
Betalains, which give it its bright red color, is used as a natural food pigment and have their own health benefits. It is thought to seek out free radicals and get rid of unstable cells in the body, a cancer-causing type of cell. So it might help prevent cancer as well.
What makes beetroot especially effective in delivering nitric oxide (NO) is it is so easily absorbed by the body. The real value of any food source or supplement is its ability to be absorbed and fulfill its purpose so you reap the benefits. Plus it’s a great antioxidant!
Lowers Blood Pressure
The high level of nitrates in beetroots becomes available in the body to convert to nitrites, making them available to make nitric oxide (NO). NO helps relax and widen blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow (Borghi and Cicero, 2016). NO makes the arterial system run smoother.
People who drink about 8 ounces of beet juice daily are shown to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (McDermott [Healthline], 2020). In my research, every study that discusses beetroots mentions this blood pressure lowering benefit.
High blood pressure can cause strokes and heart attacks. If you have moderately high or high blood pressure, see if beetroot powder helps lower yours.
Related Article: Grape Seed Extract Benefits
May Help Increase Blood Flow to the Brain, Slowing Cognitive Decline
There have been several studies regarding the benefits of nitrates in the diet and improved brain function. One in particular from 2011 included older people who had MRIs of the brain done after having consumed a high-nitrate diet that included beetroot juice. Their brain imaging showed increased blood flow in the frontal lobes.
The frontal lobes are associated with cognitive thinking and behavior.
Everyone loses some nitric oxide (NO) in their body as they grow older. Eating or drinking beetroot powder can help replenish those stores and enhance better circulation in the brain and extremities.
Improves Exercise Stamina and Muscle Strength
Several studies on beetroot powder and physical performance show nitrates reduce the oxygen used by the body during physical exercise make the mitochondria more efficient. Mitochondria are responsible for producing energy (Bjarnadottir, 2019).
One study showed the trained cyclists who drank two cups of beet juice daily took 12 seconds off their 10-kilometer time trial. And they reduced their maximum oxygen output too (Arnarson, 2020).
Powder or Capsule – Where To Get Beetroot Powder
If you want to mix it into smoothies or just mix with water or juice, this organic beet juice powder will easily mix into your juice, water, or smoothie for a great boon to your energy and health.
If you’d rather have the convenience of a capsule form, this is a very popular and quality choice: