Beet Supplements?
Beet, or beetroot, supplements are gaining quite a following for a number of health benefits, including increased energy, improved physical performance, and reductions in blood pressure. Because they’re made from beets, rich in nutrients and powerful health promoting plant compounds, beet supplements may be a desirable addition to an overall healthy diet.
Why Beets? Beets are rich in folate, which plays a role in growth, development, and heart health, and manganese, important for functions including bone formation and brain function. They also contain copper, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, and iron. This root vegetable gets a boost from its deep color, which indicates one of the unique plant compounds, called betalains, which have properties that may protect against inflammation, cognitive impairment, cancer, and diabetes. Beets also contain nitrate, which can be converted to nitric oxide and help lower blood pressure.
People use beet supplements mostly for athletic performance, relieving muscle soreness after exercise, high blood pressure, and other conditions. Evidence is emerging for its effectiveness in high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, liver disease, and more.
Beet supplements are regulated as food, and therefore do not require approval for safety and effectiveness from the Food and Drug Administration before they are marketed. Choose trusted brands or those with third party certification to ensure the product’s integrity.
Due to labeling requirements, product labels will list ingredients and will have a nutrition label or a supplement facts label. Read the ingredients label because beet supplements vary greatly by brand. If you want pure beetroot, some beetroot powders and juices may deliver on this preference, whereas others may contain added sweeteners and flavors. There is no recommended dosage and it varies among products and brands.
Beet supplements are likely safe regardless of form when taken in food or when consumed as instructed on labels. They can make urine or stools appear red or pink, which is not harmful, but may cause alarm for its resemblance to blood. Beets contain oxalates, which have been shown to contribute to kidney stones, so those at risk for kidney stones should consult with their doctor before taking a beet supplement.
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