As with many things internet based, a lot of information is copied and pasted, has a dash of creative license, a sprinkling of Chinese whispers and boom you have a new superfood or a superherb. When we select our products we look for the most effective and the very best quality. So we research, then research some more, and provide all of that research here, so that you can make up your own mind.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Studies indicate a strong anti-inflammatory activity of Beetroot, mainly from the Betalain compounds found in Beetroot. Since chronic inflammation is rather rampant in the 21st century, these potential benefits position Beetroot as one of the most significant super-foods we have access to. The Betalains in Beetroot have been shown to potentially suppress the precursor of inflammatory effects in the body. (8)
Anti-oxidant
Beetroot contains many Phenolic compounds as well as the Betalains, which have been studied for their anti-oxidative effect in the body, science suggesting that these compounds are responsible for many beneficial health related actions. These anti-oxidants in beetroot are in high concentrations, making beetroot the perfect addition for free radical scavenging. (8)
DNA / NERVES (BRAIN / COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE / NOOTROPIC)
Studies suggest that the betaine which is methyl donor and key compound in Beetroot may be beneficial in reducing the presence of an abnormal number of astrocytes (cell in the nervous system) due to the destruction of nearby neurons from CNS (central nervous system) trauma, infection, ischemia, stroke, autoimmune responses, and neurodegenerative disease. Glycine betaine may also help recover hypothalamic neural injury. Research has also suggested that betaine, may help regulate an irregular activity in the DNA methylation process, which in turn would help reduce the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. (3, 4).
ORGANS (LIVER)
Betaine acting as a methyl donor and its capacity for liver health, betaine attenuates hepatic steatosis by reducing methylation of the MTTP promoter and elevating genomic methylation. The powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and vascular-protective effects offered by beetroot and its constituents have been clearly demonstrated by several in vitro and in vivo human and animal studies; hence its increasing popularity as a nutritional approach to help manage cardiovascular disease and cancer. (3, 4)
CIRCULATORY (CHOLESTEROL)
Studies suggest the Beetroot has the potential to influence cholesterol levels, by reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) and an increasing HDL (good cholesterol). (1)
ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
Research suggests that perceived exertion was lowered relating to Running performance improved with whole beetroot due to the nitrates in beetroot.
Studies have been carried out on beetroots ability to both effect the VO2 of a subject and also that it may not effect the VO2 of a subject. For multiple studies suggest when experienced distance cyclists and runners drank a concentrated dose of beetroot juice, and were performing time trials at a moderate simulated altitude (approx. 2500), their VO2 decreased during submaximal exercise.
A 2016 study suggests that after a week of supplementing the diet with beetroot juice, the blood pressure and sub maximal aerobic endurance improved in elderly patients suffering from heart failure.
What has been said in a study from 2014 is that, nitrate obtained from the diet, in the form of for example beetroot, could enhance physical performance (i.e. muscle efficiency and oxygenation). However, how effective it is for this purpose can be depending on many variables for example not only the dose and length of time taken, but also, the persons age, diet, and health and fitness status; as well as the intensity, duration, and nature of the exercise. (5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12)
IMMUNE HEALTH
Studies have been carried out on beetroot and its active compounds, they suggest the compounds listed as betalains may help reduce the growth of breast, prostate, skin and lung cancer cells (10, 11).
