Beet Supplements & Health Benefits
Updated Apr. 23rd, 2024 | Read Time: 3 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- Key Health Benefits of Beets & Beet Supplements
- Blood Pressure & Heart Health
- Beets Create Choline For Liver & Cholesterol Support
- Beet Supplements For Increased Fibre and Digestion
- Wound Healing Benefits
- Nutrients Found In Beets & Their Health Benefits
- Adding More Beets & Beet Supplements To Your Diet
The doctors of Ancient Greece realized the medicinal value of beets and today, the use of beets for medicinal purposes has been proven by modern scientific study, and newer research is finding even more health benefits. Beet juice was traditionally used to cure fevers, anemia, and diseases of the digestive and lymphatic systems. The leaves of the beet plant were cooked and eaten for their rich nutritional content. While you can opt to cook beets and eat them as part of your meal, luckily for you, there are plenty of beet supplements available that conveniently allow you to reap their health benefits.
Key Health Benefits of Beets & Beet Supplements
Blood Pressure & Heart Health
Some of the newest health research on beets relates to their nitrate (NO3) content. Supplementation with beetroot juice over 6 days was shown to help reduce systolic blood pressure. It also helped to reduce oxygen consumption during exercise, without altering the energy metabolism in the mitochondria (the cell’s furnace). It is thought that the nitrate present in beetroot is converted to nitric oxide (NO), which has several beneficial effects on the human body. Nitric oxide promotes dilation of the vasculature and helps to push oxygen from the blood into the muscles. Both of these effects can create a significant increase in athletic performance and can help to benefit Cardiovascular Health. This is the reason that many athletes have begun supplementing with beetroot as a source of NO. Interestingly, this cardiovascular benefit of beets is independent of the ability to stimulate choline production.
Beets Create Choline For Liver & Cholesterol Support
Research from the last decade validated the curative properties of dark-coloured red beets and their greens. Certain constituents found in red beets called betaine and betanin, improve the digestion of food and help to create choline. Choline increases liver cell activity, strengthens the walls of capillaries, and decreases the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Choline is a lipotropic, fat emulsifying, agent for the treatment of fatty deposits in the liver and other organs.
Beet Supplements For Increased Fibre and Digestion
The insoluble fibre that can be found in the entire beet plant absorbs and removes toxic substances, heavy metals and cholesterol from the body when ingested. In addition, insoluble fibre strengthens intestinal contractions and promotes the active secretion of digestive juices and bile, thus helping to reduce constipation and indigestion. Cooked preparations are recommended for dealing with digestive complaints.
Wound Healing Benefits
Red beets also promote wound healing and have anti-inflammatory properties like nitrates. These help to settle the immune system and stimulate an appropriate response to injury. They also contain vitamin c, an essential nutrient for wound healing and immune protection.
Nutrients Found In Beets & Their Health Benefits
Beet greens are richer than spinach in iron and other minerals. They are used to help anemia, poor appetite, obesity, and gout and can help to reduce blemishes. They are also rich in folate (vitamin B9), manganese and potassium.
Adding More Beets & Beet Supplements To Your Diet
As mentioned above, beettops and beetroot can simply be cooked and eaten for their rich nutritional value. Juice, made from the beet or the beet and its greens, is often used medicinally as well. Beet juice can be combined with other vegetable juices, which reportedly increases the beets’ health effects. More vitamins and minerals are found in raw juices and preparations than in cooked preparations. In general, the dose for beet juice is between 100 and 500ml daily, with lower doses for general nutritional support, and higher doses for affecting athletic performance.
Beets may also be found alone or in combination supplements used for detoxification, nutritional support, and to help promote improved circulation and athletic performance. The dose of dried beet juice has not yet been established so it is best to follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosages and look for a reputable brand that uses pure ingredients without the use of additives and is organic and GMO-free when possible. If you need help finding a quality beet supplement, our knowledgeable team is happy to help.
I really like this item. It is awesome for my stomach problems.
Hello Lorraine,
Beets are a great supplements for many health concerns. It's not only great for digestive health and loaded with antioxidants, but it helps to detox blood and keep our bloodstreams healthy.
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/detox-101/
Have a healthy day
I love the earthy taste of beets, I find them so refreshing and delicious in salads as well as any meal that is quick and easy to add on. I did not realize all the amazing health benefits that beets have to offer such as a great source of fiber and can help with digestion as well. Swiss Chard is another great source of nutrients and something that I keep wanting to try as well!
Hell O,
Beets are quite earthy, but tasty. They provide many health benefits and can help clean the blood as well. Have a read through this article to learn more of beets amazing health benefits: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/beets/
Stay healthy & well.