Beets are more than a colorful addition to salads and side dishes. They contain naturally occurring nitrates, betalains, polyphenols, folate, potassium, and other compounds that have been studied for their potential cardiovascular and antioxidant effects. Fermented beets may offer some additional nutritional advantages, although the evidence for fermented beets specifically is still developing.
1. May Help Support Healthy Blood Pressure
One of the best-studied benefits of beetroot comes from its naturally occurring dietary nitrates. The body can convert nitrate into nitrite and then nitric oxide, a molecule that helps blood vessels relax and widen.
Clinical trials and systematic reviews have found that beetroot juice consumption can produce a modest reduction in blood pressure, particularly systolic blood pressure. One meta-analysis of randomized trials found an average reduction of about 3.6 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and 1.3 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure.
This does not mean beets replace blood-pressure medication, but incorporating them into an overall healthy diet may contribute to cardiovascular health.
2. Supports Cardiovascular Health
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