Skip to content
Beetroot may offer a range of health benefits due to its unique combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The leaves and roots of beets are packed with nutrition, including antioxidants that fight cell damage and reduce the risk of heart disease. They’re one of the few vegetables that contain betalains, a powerful antioxidant that gives beets their vibrant color. Betalains reduce inflammation and may help protect against cancer and other diseases.
Beets are also an excellent source of:
- Folate, which is important for DNA and cell health
- Manganese, which contributes to the regulation of metabolism and blood sugar levels
- Vitamin C, this well-known vitamin is an antioxidant that is important for immune function and skin health
- Vitamin A
- Potassium, A diet high in potassium can lead to reduced blood pressure levels and positive effects on heart health
Health Benefits of Beetroots
Beetroots and beetroot juice have many health benefits, especially for heart health and exercise performance.
Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can damage your blood vessels and heart. What’s more, it’s among the strongest risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and premature death worldwide
Eating fruits and vegetables rich in inorganic nitrates may cut your risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and increasing nitric oxide formation
Studies show that beetroots or their juice can reduce blood pressure by up to 3–10 mm Hg over a period of a few hours
Such effects are likely due to increased levels of nitric oxide, which causes your blood vessels to relax and dilate
Increased Exercise Capacity
Numerous studies suggest that nitrates can enhance physical performance, particularly during high-intensity endurance exercise.
Dietary nitrates have been shown to reduce oxygen use during physical exercise by affecting the efficiency of mitochondria, the cell organs responsible for producing energy.
Beets and their juice are often used for this purpose because of their high inorganic nitrate content.
Consumption of beetroots may improve running and cycling performance, increase stamina, boost oxygen use, and lead to better exercise performance overall
Watch this video on the Benefits of Beetroot Juice;
Adverse Effects
Beetroots are usually well tolerated — except for individuals prone to kidney stones.
Consumption of beetroot may also cause your urine to become pink or red, which is harmless but often confused for blood.