Beetroot-A Heart Supplement

HISTORY

The medical uses of beetroot date back to Ancient Rome, Greece, and traditional Middle Eastern cultures, where they were used to improve digestion, support the liver, support circulation, treat constipation, enhance stamina, treat skin conditions, support wound care, and boost vitality.

PROPERTIES OF BEETROOT

The beetroot is the main part of the beet. It has several potential properties-the main being cardiovascular. It has some of the following properties: Antioxidant (betalains, vitamin C), anti‑inflammatory, mild antifungal, antimicrobial (mild effects), demulcent, and possibly expectorant (traditional use, not strongly evidenced).

CONSIDERED USES

Cardiovascular

• May help lower blood pressure and improve circulation (nitrates in beets → reduces blood vessel resistance, increasing vasodilation)

• Improves endothelial function, keeping blood vessels more flexible and responsive to changes in blood flow.

• Reduces arterial stiffness

Respiratory

• Nitric oxide may improve airway dilation (helps open airways)

• Antioxidants may reduce oxidative stress in lung tissue (Respiratory benefits are secondary, not primary.

EENT (Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat)

• While evidence is limited, because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, beetroot is considered to support microvascular blood flow to the eyes, helping vision, and may help the mucous membranes in the nose and throat.

Gastrointestinal

• Fiber supports bowel function.

• Pectin in beets may soothe GI mucosa irritation.

• May support healthy digestion and motility

• Liver support

Genitourinary

• Increased nitric oxide may support renal blood flow, supporting kidney function.

• Antioxidants may support urinary tract cellular health (No direct clinical trials)

Musculoskeletal

• Improved oxygen efficiency may indirectly reduce exercise fatigue and increase stamina.

• Anti‑inflammatory affects

• May enhance endurance performance and decrease muscle fatigue, providing exercise support

Skin

• Antioxidants support collagen and cellular repair, keeping skin looking healthier.

• Anti‑inflammatory effects may support skin barrier health, keeping moisture in and irritants out.

• Enhances wound healing through increased nutrient and oxygen delivery

Cholesterol

• May help reduce LDL cholesterol

• The fiber of beetroot supports healthy cholesterol metabolism (Effects are modest compared to cardiovascular benefits)

Glucose

• Beetroot fiber may support glucose regulation after meals.

• Antioxidants may support insulin sensitivity (but are not a primary glucose‑lowering supplement)

Immunity

• Vitamin C and antioxidants support immune function.

• Anti‑inflammatory properties may reduce chronic immune stress.

Cancer

• In the lab, show anti‑proliferative effects - slowing down the growth or multiplication of cells.

• The antioxidants may help reduce oxidative DNA damage (Supportive only—not a treatment).

Mental Health

• Improved circulation may support cognitive performance.

• Nitric oxide from beets may support neurovascular blood flow.

• Antioxidants may reduce neuroinflammation.

Neurologic:

• Beetroot may help support brain health by improving blood flow and reducing oxidative stress and damage, ultimately supporting focus and mental clarity, but it has no known direct neurological actions.

Other

• May support healthy aging by increasing nitric oxide levels, which enhance circulation, reduce vascular stiffness, and improve cellular oxygenation.

Side Effects

• Red urine or stool (“beeturia”)

• GI upset, bloating, gas in some people due to high fiber content.

• Kidney stone risk in those who tend to accumulate oxalates

• Blood pressure lowering (mild but notable)
  

Cautions / Contraindications

• Low blood pressure

• Kidney stone history (in those who absorb too many oxalates)

• Those on nitrate medications (discuss with clinician)

• Diabetes (due to natural sugars — monitor intake)

FORMS

• Beetroot juice

• Beetroot powder

• Capsules/tablets

• Concentrated nitrate formulas

• Whole cooked beetroot

Recommended Brands

Be aware that some products may contain less than advertised amounts of active beetroot, and some may contain heavy metals.

The following are recommended by ConsumerLabs - an independent tester.

These are the only ones tested and cleared by this third-party tester and available to order online through Amazon-

Humann® SuperBeets® Heart Chews – Pomegranate Berry (very low dose) (Buy Now)

Lakewood® Organic Pure Beet - With Organic Lemon Juice (Buy Now)

The others recommended can generally be ordered through their respective companies:

Chews:

Force Factor® Total Beets® - Acai Berry Flavor With Other Natural Flavors (lower dose)

Drinks

Beet It® Sport Nitrate 400 mg

Biotta® Beet Juice

Powders

BulkSupplements.com Organic Beet Root Powder (lower dose)

Force Factor Total Beets (lower dose) - May be available in some retail stores

Nutricost® Organic Beet Root

Humann® Super Beets® Heart Powder