Beetroot Powder: Benefits, Recommended Intake and ...

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What Is Beetroot Powder Good For?

One of the most powerful superfoods is the beet. Both the leaves and root are packed full of nutrients and phytochemicals. And modern research has uncovered remarkable health benefits, including improving cardiovascular health, strength, and stamina with beetroot consumption.1

Beetroot powder has emerged as a fantastic way to capture all the nutritional and health benefits of beet juice in a convenient and tastier manner. The purple-crimson color of beetroot powder is due to betalains, which include betacyanin, the primary pigment of beets. 

Betalains are also the key phytochemical components responsible for many of the health benefits of beetroots.2 Yet, the biggest focus of beetroot supplementation has been its nitrate compounds.3

As in beetroot juice, nitrates in beetroot powder ultimately increase nitric oxide production by cells lining blood vessels. Nitric oxide is very important in improving blood flow, lowering blood pressure, and preventing the formation of blood clots. By increasing nitric oxide levels, beetroot powder improves blood flow, reduces blood pressure and clot formation, and improves blood fluidity (the blood becomes less viscous and, therefore, flows through blood vessels more easily).

In addition to dietary nitrate, beetroot's betalain components also increase the activity of an enzyme, endogenous nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS), that boosts nitric oxide levels irrespective of the nitrate component. This action is a key antiaging effect of beetroot powder as eNOS activity declines as a person ages.

The potential antiaging effects of beetroot powder are seen in a double-blind study in older subjects (ages 65 to 79). Both a single and daily dosage for two weeks of beetroot increased muscle speed and power significantly. 

Two weeks of supplementation increased maximal knee extensor speed (Vmax) by 7% and power (Pmax) by 9% higher than baseline measurements. The authors of the study concluded, "The magnitudes of these improvements are sufficient to offset the decline resulting from a decade or more of aging&#;."4

The Physiological Benefits of Beetroot Powder

Beetroot powder can enhance human physiology or body processes via several key mechanisms, like beetroot juice. The nitric oxide-boosting action of beetroot is an important aspect of its ability to boost blood flow, improve athletic performance, and even lower blood pressure. But it is another example of a fundamental, underlying effect of beetroot in promoting overall health. It is well-established in clinical studies in humans that beetroot supplementation can improve blood flow dynamics.2,3

The ability to improve blood flow extends throughout the body, including the brain, heart, kidneys, skin, and erectile tissue. The point is that delivering more blood and oxygen to cells is ultimately what beetroot powder provides, which generally leads to improved function in all cells, tissues, and organs. Collectively improving blood flow to all body tissues, beetroot powder becomes a whole-body tonic that helps improve overall health.2,3,5

Beetroot powder exerts additional health benefits based on research on its key components. And while it can be added to the long list of natural products that exert direct antioxidant action, even more, important is beetroot powder's ability to influence cell signaling pathways that activate the body's antioxidant system. Specifically, betalains activate Nrf2 (nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2), the main regulator of the body's response to cellular damage and inflammation. Nrf2 is a master conductor of the expression of hundreds of genes that promote the formation of many antioxidant/detoxifying enzymes and compounds (e.g., glutathione). Betalains enhance the expression of these cellular protectors and rejuvenators. By increasing Nrf2, beetroot powder promotes health on a very deep cellular level.2,3,6

Betalains also activate SIRT1, one of the body's chief sirtuins. Molecules are made famous in scientific circles for slowing down aging and helping to address obesity, blood sugar control, cognitive decline, and many other age-related disorders. Resveratrol is the most well-known SIRT1 activator. But betalains work to activate SIRT1 through a much different mechanism and appear to affect the Sirtuin network in much more powerful ways than resveratrol.6 Researchers are just beginning to explore this exciting path.

Beetroot Powder and Blood Pressure Benefits

Many use beetroot powder for high blood pressure. Much of the blood pressure-lowering effects of beetroot are attributed to its nitrate component, which is converted by oral bacteria into nitrite and absorbed into the body. The nitrite is subsequently converted into nitric oxide by the cells that line blood vessels throughout the body. Beetroot nitrate ingestion promotes lowering blood pressure via improved dilation and reduced blood vessel stiffness, thereby reducing the force (pressure) exerted against the blood vessels as the blood pulses through.

Although there are other dietary sources of nitrates, beets are considerably more effective in raising blood nitrite levels than eating a very high intake of other nitrate-rich foods or taking a nitrate salt supplement. The level of nitrate in the diet has minimal impact on plasma nitrate and nitrite, but beet consumption can significantly increase plasma nitrate and nitrite throughout the day.3,7 

The clinical evidence for the blood pressure-lowering effect of beetroot has been shown in over 100 human clinical trials. In one of the first studies looking at beetroot powder and blood pressure, researchers at The London School of Medicine showed that drinking 16 ounces of fresh beet juice a day significantly reduced systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) up to 10 mm Hg in healthy subjects.8 Beetroot lowered blood pressure within an hour, with a peak drop occurring 3 to 4 hours after ingestion. The peak time of reduction in blood pressure correlated with the appearance and peak levels of nitrite.

Since this initial study in , over 100 additional clinical studies have evaluated the blood pressure-lowering effect of beetroot.9,10 The overall effect from pooled data in sufficient duration and dosage studies shows a more modest drop of 5 mm Hg of both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. And while not a huge drop, this level of blood pressure reduction would cut the rate of strokes and heart attacks by about 10%. In terms of lives, that would mean about 1.5 million lives being saved each year.

In most of the studies with beetroot, the nitrate level in the product or the subject's blood was the key factor of effectiveness. The blood pressure lowering effect usually takes about two weeks as a single dose has a negligible effect. The blood pressure-lowering effect of beetroot is enhanced if people are engaged in regular moderate-intensity aerobic exercise.11

There is some variation in the response to the blood pressure-lowering effects of beetroot, with advanced age and genetics being a key factor because of less activity (aging) or less expression (genetics) for eNOS. This enzyme converts nitrite to nitric oxide.12 Another cause of reduced effectiveness is insufficient oral or gut microorganisms that convert nitrate to nitrite.

And while the blood pressure-lowering effect of beetroot powder is important, the most consistent clinical finding of beetroot is in improving the function of the blood vessel lining, leading to improved blood flow. This action may be more important in the ability of beetroot powder to promote cardiovascular health.

Beetroot Powder, Exercise Performance, and Recovery Benefits

There has been considerable scientific investigation on the effects of beetroot powder on exercise, muscle strength and stamina, and post-exercise recovery. A recent detailed systematic review of all clinical research in these applications concluded that beetroot supplementation was most effective for increasing exercise performance for those activities lasting between 2 to 10 minutes, and best results seem to be achieved when the beetroot supplementation was given at least 2.5 hours before exercise. It was also concluded that the use of an antiseptic mouthwash, or anything else that disrupts the oral microbiome, will disrupt the conversion of beetroot nitrates into nitrites to reduce the effectiveness of beetroot production with potential negative impacts on cardiovascular health and exercise performance. May decrease the effect of nitrate.

Beetroot powder can also enhance overall physical performance and heart functioning during exercise. For example, in a study, 12 male cyclists ingested 140 ml/day of concentrated beet or a placebo for 6 days. They were then crossed over to the other drink after a 14-day washout period.15 After supplementation on Day 6, subjects performed 60 minutes of submaximal cycling, followed by a 10-km time trial. Time-trial performance (953 vs. 965 seconds) and power output (294 vs. 288 watts) improved after the real beet compared with the placebo. In submaximal cycling, the use of oxygen (VO&#;) was also lower with the real beet ingestion. What does all this data mean? In short, beetroot powder promotes increased physical stamina and performance. In athletic competitions, that may mean the difference between winning or losing.

Beetroot is particularly helpful in enhancing high-intensity exercise performance that involves explosive movements lasting less than 6 seconds like weightlifting or sprinting. Results from a systematic review showed that in 4 of the 10 sprint-type studies, beetroot supplementation improved sprint time and power output. In the weightlifting studies, 4 of the 10 studies showed improvements in the power and velocity of free-weight and isokinetic exercises.16

Beetroot may also boost exercise-related recovery and help with quicker recovery of strength and a reduction in post-exercise pain, inflammation, and muscle damage. Beetroot also prevents exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) according to a meta-analysis of six double-blind, controlled studies. EIMD results in decreased muscle strength, increased muscle soreness and swelling, and markers of inflammation in the blood. Pooled results showed that subjects consuming beetroot powder before accelerated isometric strength recovery 72 hours after exercise increased the pressure pain threshold within 48 hours.17,18

Recommended Intake

Since the active components of beetroot are heat sensitive, the best beetroot powders are produced without high heat. In this regard, beetroot powders that utilize the INFIDRI&#; process stand above the rest. First, it is a beetroot powder designed to supply all the key components that clinical research has validated. Many beetroot powders on the market are ground-up beetroots that are dried in drums or spray-dried with high heat. The INFIDRI&#; process is a gentle drying technology that utilizes targeted wavelengths of infrared light that remove water from beetroot without damaging the fragile beneficial compounds.

With dozens of positive human clinical studies with beetroot, there is some evidence for dosage levels needed to improve cardiovascular health, physical strength and tolerance, and recovery from exercise using beetroot powder. Most studies used daily dosages of beetroot between 70 and 250 ml, and the best results were seen when taking at least 140 ml of beetroot for more than 14 days. The dosage for beetroot powder should approximate this level. There is variation in quality in beetroot powders, and dosage will vary accordingly.

For a high-quality beetroot powder, such as California Gold's Organic Beetroot powder, 10 g (one tablespoon) is approximately equal to 100 ml of beetroot.  

To simplify daily intake recommendations when using beetroot powder, for general health one tablespoon per day is sufficient, but for supporting blood pressure control and other targeted indications, a higher dosage of two tablespoons (20 grams) is recommended.

Side Effects

Beetroot powder is generally well-tolerated, and no side effects are seen at recommended intake levels. However, consuming beetroot powder, beets, or beet juice will often cause dark red or black-colored stools and red-tinted urine. Do not be alarmed. It is simply the red pigments in beetroot. It is a normal occurrence.

Easy Beetroot Powder Recipes

There are many ways to add beetroot powder to a person's diet if they want to enjoy all the great health benefits. Remember that mixing beetroot powder is a great way to add a little sweetness and more depth of flavor to all sorts of sweet and savory meals. Here are a few recipes with beetroot powder to get you started.

Beet and Berry Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Add all the ingredients to a blender. Turn the blender on medium or high until the frozen drink has a smooth texture and all ingredients are pulverized. And serve!

Gluten-Free Beet and Berries Overnight Oat Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbs. 

  beetroot powder 

• 1/4 cup fresh berries

• 1 cup rolled 

  oats

  Contact us to discuss your requirements of bulk beet root extract. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

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  Green Tea Extract

• 1 1/2 cups almond or soy milk

• 1 tsp. 

  coconut oil

• 1/4 tsp. 

  cinnamon

• Maple syrup

   to taste

Instructions:

1. Use a food processor to puree cranberries.

2. Mix together all of the ingredients besides syrup in an airtight jar.

3. Refrigerate the mixture overnight or for at least eight hours.

4. Pour the mixture into a bowl to serve and sweeten with the desired amount of maple syrup. Enjoy!

Dairy-Free Beet Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a cookie sheet lightly.

2. Mix together egg, brown sugar and peanut butter in a medium-sized bowl.

3. Add the beetroot powder, vanilla, and tapioca flour to the bowl and mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.

4. Use a spoon to gently fold in chocolate chips.

Divide the mixture into 10 even balls.

1. Gently flatten the balls onto the baking sheet.

2. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool before eating.

References:

DISCLAIMER:This WELLNESS HUB does not intend to provide diagnosis... Read More

This WELLNESS HUB does not intend to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Read more. The content provided on this WELLNESS HUB is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health-related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this WELLNESS HUB should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The claims made about specific products throughout this WELLNESS HUB are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

18th April

Many sports supplements make bold claims about boosting performance but only a few are backed up by credible research. In the second article of this 5-part series on supplements, I look at the evidence for beetroot juice.

What is it?

Beetroot juice (and beetroot) is a rich source of nitrate. It&#;s worth knowing that nitrate is also found in other vegetables, such as spinach, rocket, cabbage, endive, leeks and broccoli. But to consume enough nitrate to enhance your performance (300 &#; 400mg), you would need to eat at least 200g beetroot, 150g spinach or 100g rocket. Concentrated beetroot juice is therefore a more practical form of consumption.

What does it do?

&#;Beetroot juice may help improve exercise efficiency &#; in other words, it can reduce the energy required to exercise at a specific power output. This should translate into improved performance,&#; explains Andy Jones, professor of applied physiology at the University of Exeter. &#;It can also help you sustain higher levels of power for longer.&#;

The nitrates in beetroot juice are converted in the body into nitric oxide (NO), which when raised prior to exercise appears to help dilate blood vessels, aiding the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles during exercise.

What&#;s the evidence?

Researchers at the University of Exeter found that drinking 500ml beetroot juice a day for a week enabled volunteers to run 15 per cent longer before experiencing fatigue. A further study by the same researchers found that cyclists given 500ml beetroot juice 2.5 hours before a time trial improved their performance by 2.8 per cent in a 4km race and by 2.7 per cent in a 16.1km race. A review of 17 studies by UK and Australian researchers concluded that beetroot or nitrate supplementation significantly improved endurance, as measured by time to exhaustion. Although time to exhaustion isn&#;t a direct measure of performance, this level of improvement could translate into a one to two per cent reduction in race time.

Gym-goers also stand to benefit from beetroot juice. A study at Edge Hill University found that beetroot juice can also improve resistance training performance. Volunteers who consumed a 70ml shot of beetroot juice (400mg nitrate) prior to training were able to complete more reps to failure (3 sets of bench press exercises at 60% 1RM) compared with those taking a placebo.

Verdict (How much and when)

It may not be the most palatable performance booster but there&#;s a solid base of evidence to suggest that beetroot juice may help you perform better during exercise lasting between four and 30 minutes, thanks to its high content of nitrates. It&#;s important to note that the majority of studies showing a positive effect involved untrained or recreational athletes. Whether beetroot juice also benefits performance in elite athletes is unclear.

Avoid using antibacterial mouthwash, as this removes beneficial bacteria in the mouth that convert some of the nitrate to nitrite and thus reduces the benefits of beetroot juice. As for side effects, there&#;s a harmless, temporary, pink colouration of urine and stools.

The optimal dose is likely to be 600mg nitrate, equivalent to 2 x 70 ml concentrated beetroot &#;shots&#;, say University of Exeter researchers, although it has also proved to benefit performance in studies using 300 &#; 400mg (0.62 mg/kg body weight), equivalent to 500ml beetroot juice or a single 70ml shot. Both acute and chronic loads have an effect. Professor Jones suggests consuming one to two 70ml shots a day for three to five days before competition as well as two to three hours before the race starts (blood NO levels peak 2 &#; 3 hours after ingestion and approach baseline 12 hours later). Boost your overall dietary nitrate by including more green leafy veg &#; plus you&#;ll gain the benefits of other nutrients in these foods too.

If you enjoyed this article and want to find out more about sports supplements, then read the new edition of my book

Fully updated to reflect the latest research, Sports Supplements is packed with clear, reliable and unbiased advice that will help you maximise your athletic potential. Renowned sports nutritionist Anita Bean takes you through each supplement and explains what they are, how to use them and if they really work &#; as well as suggesting other alternatives.

Covering the most popular supplements on the market &#; from beetroot juice to creatine, caffeine to whey protein, this is the essential guide for anyone considering taking supplements.

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