Organic Beetroot: Athletic Performance & Heart Health

Organic Beetroot: Athletic Performance & Heart Health

Introduction to Organic Beetroot

Beetroot, the nutrient-dense root portion of the beet plant, is a popular root vegetable with a unique deep purple hue. They have been cultivated for thousands of years, and their nutritional and health benefits are widely recognized. Organic Beetroot is grown without synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms, ensuring you get the most natural and nutrient-rich beets possible. This article will discuss the benefits of organic beetroot for athletic performance and heart health and how it can boost your overall well-being.

A Boost for Athletic Performance

Organic beetroots are packed with essential nutrients, but what makes them particularly interesting for athletes is their high nitrate content. Our body converts these nitrates into nitric oxide, a compound that helps dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. This, in turn, increases oxygen delivery to the muscles, thereby enhancing physical performance (1).

A study conducted on cyclists found that beetroot juice supplementation improved their time trial performance and increased their power output (2). Similarly, another study found that consuming beetroot juice significantly reduced the oxygen cost of exercise, resulting in better endurance (3).

Apart from their nitrate content, beetroots are also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These can help reduce exercise-induced inflammation, protecting your muscles from damage and promoting faster recovery (4). For more powerful pre-workouts, check out our Nitric Shock Pre Workout and Energized Aminos. You can read more in our articles "Nitric Shock Pre Workout: Enhanced Workouts" and "Energized Aminos for Peak Performance & Recovery."

Heart Health Benefits

Organic beetroot's benefits go beyond athletic performance; they also play a significant role in maintaining heart health. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes. Thanks to its nitrate content, beetroot is effective in reducing blood pressure (5).

A study conducted on healthy individuals showed that consuming beetroot juice significantly reduced systolic blood pressure, which is the top number in a blood pressure reading (6). The effects were seen as early as three hours after consumption and persisted for up to 24 hours. The high potassium levels in beetroots also help maintain a healthy balance of electrolytes and counteract the effects of excess sodium, thereby promoting heart health (7).

Moreover, beetroot's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can prevent plaque buildup in the arteries (8). This can, in turn, reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis, a condition in which the arteries become narrow and hardened due to plaque deposits.

How to Incorporate Organic Beetroot into Your Diet

There are plenty of ways to include organic beetroot in your daily meals. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

  1. Juice it up: Beetroot juice is popular among athletes and health enthusiasts. You can make your own juice by blending raw beetroots with water or buy ready-made organic beetroot juice from a store.
  2. Roast it: Roasting beetroots enhances their natural sweetness, making them a delicious addition to your meals. Simply chop the beets into bite-sized pieces, toss them with olive oil and your favorite herbs, and roast them in the oven until tender.
  3. Add it to salads: Grated or thinly sliced raw beetroots add a vibrant color and a mild earthy flavor to your salads. Mix them with other veggies, greens, and a tangy dressing for a healthy and flavorful meal.
  4. Blend it into smoothies: For a nutrient-packed smoothie, blend organic beetroot with fruits like berries or bananas and a liquid base like almond milk or yogurt.
  5. Try pickled beetroots: Pickled beetroots can be a delicious and tangy addition to your meals. They go well with sandwiches, burgers, or as a side dish. You can make pickled beetroots at home or buy them from a store. Just make sure to choose organic ones.
  6. Beetroot soup: A warm bowl of beetroot soup, also known as borscht, is a traditional Eastern European dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold. Combine beetroots with other veggies like potatoes, carrots, and onions, and cook them in a flavorful broth. Serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill.
  7. Beetroot hummus: Give your hummus a colorful twist by adding cooked and pureed organic beetroots. This vibrant dip is visually appealing and packed with nutrients and flavor.

Beetroot Supplements: A Convenient Alternative

Beetroot supplements offer a convenient alternative for those who might not have the time or inclination to incorporate beetroots into their meals. Available in the form of powders, capsules, or concentrated juices, these supplements contain the essential nutrients and nitrates found in whole beetroots. However, choosing high-quality, organic beetroot supplements is important to ensure maximum benefits.

For athletes looking to boost their performance and support their overall health, it's worth considering other supplements catering to their unique needs.

Additional Health Benefits of Organic Beetroot

Organic beetroot is more than just a performance enhancer and a heart health booster. Here are some other health benefits of this versatile vegetable:

  1. Brain health: The increased blood flow from beetroot's nitrate content is not limited to muscles; it also benefits the brain. Improved blood flow to the brain may enhance cognitive function and prevent age-related cognitive decline (9). For more brain health benefits, check out our Omega-3 Fish Oil and our article "Omega 3 Fish Oil for Heart, Brain & Mood Health."
  2. Liver health: Beetroot contains betaine, a compound that helps protect the liver from damage and promotes liver detoxification. This can support overall liver health and function (10). For a more potent liver-boosting compound, check out our Liposomal Silymarin and read more in our article "Liposomal Silymarin for Liver Health & Detoxification."
  3. Cancer-fighting properties: The deep red-purple color of beetroots comes from pigments called betalains. These pigments have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which have been found to inhibit the growth of certain types of cancer cells (11).
  4. Immune support: The high levels of vitamin C in beetroots contribute to a healthy immune system. Vitamin C is essential for the proper functioning of immune cells and helps protect the body from infections (12). Check out our Liposomal Curcumin, Liposomal Glutathione, and Liposomal Silymarin for more potent immune-boosting allies. Learn more about this powerful Trio in our article "Glutathione, Curcumin & Silymarin for Immune Health."
  5. Weight management: Beetroots are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great addition to a weight management plan. Fiber aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, reducing the likelihood of overeating (13).

Conclusion

Organic beetroot offers an array of benefits for both athletes and those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This colorful vegetable is a powerhouse of essential nutrients, from boosting athletic performance to supporting heart health and offering various other health benefits. By incorporating organic beetroots into your diet or opting for high-quality supplements, you can enjoy this superfood's many advantages. Experience the remarkable benefits of our Organic Beetroot today, and elevate your well-being to new heights!

References:

  1. Lundberg, J. O., Weitzberg, E., & Gladwin, M. T. (2008). The nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway in physiology and therapeutics. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 7(2), 156-167. https://www.nature.com/articles/nrd2466
  2. Lansley, K. E., Winyard, P. G., Bailey, S. J., Vanhatalo, A., Wilkerson, D. P., Blackwell, J. R., ... & Jones, A. M. (2011). Acute dietary nitrate supplementation improves cycling time trial performance. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 43(6), 1125-1131. https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Abstract/2011/06000/Acute_Dietary_Nitrate_Supplementation_Improves.19.aspx
  3. Bailey, S. J., Winyard, P., Vanhatalo, A., Blackwell, J. R., DiMenna, F. J., Wilkerson, D. P., ... & Jones, A. M. (2009). Dietary nitrate supplementation reduces the O2 cost of low-intensity exercise and enhances tolerance to high-intensity exercise in humans. Journal of Applied Physiology, 107(4), 1144-1155. https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/japplphysiol.00722.2009
  4. Clifford, T., Howatson, G., West, D. J., & Stevenson, E. J. (2015). The potential benefits of red beetroot supplementation in health and disease. Nutrients, 7(4), 2801-2822. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/7/4/2801
  5. Coles, L. T., & Clifton, P. M. (2012). Effect of beetroot juice on lowering blood pressure in free-living, disease-free adults: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrition Journal, 11(1), 1-6. https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-11-106
  6. Webb, A. J., Patel, N., Loukogeorgakis, S., Okorie, M., Aboud, Z., Misra, S., ... & MacAllister, R. (2008). Acute blood pressure lowering, vasoprotective, and antiplatelet properties of dietary nitrate via bioconversion to nitrite. Hypertension, 51(3), 784-790. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.107.103523
  7. Houston, M. C. (2011). The role of cellular micronutrient analysis, nutraceuticals, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals in the prevention and treatment of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease, 5(3), 165-183. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1753944711401630
  8. Kapil, V., Khambata, R. S., Robertson, A., Caulfield, M. J., & Ahluwalia, A. (2015). Dietary nitrate provides sustained blood pressure lowering in hypertensive patients: a randomized, phase 2, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Hypertension, 65(2), 343-349. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.114.04675
  9. Presley, T. D., Morgan, A. R., Bechtold, E., Clodfelter, W., Dove, R. W., Jennings, J. M., ... & Miller, G. D. (2011). Acute effect of a high nitrate diet on brain perfusion in older adults. Nitric Oxide, 24(1), 34-42. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1089860310003143
  10. Craig, S. A. (2004). Betaine in human nutrition. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 80(3), 539-549. https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/80/3/539/4690529
  11. Kapadia, G. J., Azuine, M. A., Rao, G. S., Arai, T., Iida, A., & Tokuda, H. (1996). Cytotoxic effect of the red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) extract compared to doxorubicin (Adriamycin) in the human prostate (PC-3) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines. Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 11(3), 280-284. https://www.eurekaselect.com/76556/article
  12. Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/11/1211
  13. Slavin, J. L., & Lloyd, B. (2012). Health benefits of fruits and vegetables. Advances in Nutrition, 3(4), 506-516. https://academic.oup.com/advances/article/3/4/506/4557085
Back to blog