The nitrate content of beetroot may also influence blood-vessel function.
Research examining beetroot nitrate supplementation has reported improvements in measures related to endothelial function and arterial stiffness. These effects are thought to be connected partly to increased nitric oxide availability.
Better blood-vessel function is important because healthy, flexible blood vessels allow blood to circulate efficiently throughout the body.
3. Rich in Antioxidant Compounds
Beets contain distinctive pigments called betalains, including betacyanins and betaxanthins. They also provide polyphenols and other plant compounds with antioxidant activity.
These compounds can help protect cells from oxidative stress. However, it is important to distinguish laboratory antioxidant measurements from proven disease-prevention effects in humans. A food can demonstrate strong antioxidant activity in laboratory testing without necessarily producing the same magnitude of effect inside the human body.
4. May Support Exercise Performance
Beetroot has attracted considerable attention among athletes because dietary nitrate can increase nitric oxide availability.
This may improve the efficiency of oxygen utilization during certain types of exercise, which is one reason beetroot juice is sometimes used before endurance activities.
The effects vary depending on the individual, the amount consumed, exercise type, and timing, so beetroot should be viewed as a potential nutritional aid rather than a guaranteed performance enhancer.
5. Provides Important Nutrients
Whole beets provide several useful nutrients, including:
- Folate
- Potassium
- Vitamin C
- Manganese
- Fiber
- Natural plant antioxidants
Eating whole beets also provides fiber that is reduced or absent in many beetroot juice products.
6. What About Fermented Beets?
See more on the next page
