Beetroot

Ingredient Library

Beetroot

Discover why beetroot is valued for its naturally occurring nitrates, vibrant plant compounds and role in supporting circulation and physical performance.

Beetroot is the deep red-purple root of the Beta vulgaris plant. It is naturally rich in nitrates, pigments called betalains and other plant compounds that have made it a popular ingredient in food, sports nutrition and everyday wellness supplements.

Beetroot supplements are available as whole beetroot powder, concentrated extracts and nitrate-standardised ingredients. These forms differ in concentration while retaining beetroot’s distinctive nutritional profile.

The Basics

Understanding Beetroot

Beetroot

Beetroot is a root vegetable from the Beta vulgaris plant. Its distinctive red-purple colour comes from naturally occurring pigments called betalains, while the root also provides nitrates and a variety of other plant nutrients.

Naturally Occurring Nitrates

Beetroot naturally contains dietary nitrates, which the body can convert into nitric oxide through a series of normal biological processes. Nitric oxide plays an important role in blood-vessel function and normal circulation.

Beetroot Powder & Extract

Whole beetroot powder is made by drying and finely grinding the root, while beetroot extracts concentrate selected naturally occurring compounds into a smaller serving. Some extracts are also standardised for nitrate content to provide greater consistency.

Key Benefits

Why It’s Used

Healthy Circulation

Supports healthy blood flow and vascular function.

Heart Health

Supports normal cardiovascular health and circulation.

Energy Production

Supports normal energy-yielding metabolism and helps reduce tiredness and fatigue.

Antioxidant Protection

Helps protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

Muscle Function

Supports normal muscle function and physical performance.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is beetroot?

Beetroot is the edible root of the Beta vulgaris plant. It is naturally rich in nitrates, betalain pigments and other plant compounds.

What are nitrates and why are they important?

Dietary nitrates are naturally occurring compounds found in vegetables such as beetroot, spinach and rocket (arugula). Once consumed, the body can convert nitrates into nitric oxide through a series of normal biological processes. Nitric oxide helps support normal blood-vessel function, healthy circulation and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. This is one of the key reasons beetroot has become such a popular ingredient in food supplements and sports nutrition.

What is the difference between beetroot powder and beetroot extract?

Beetroot powder is made from the dried whole root and retains its naturally occurring compounds in their original proportions. Beetroot extract is more concentrated and may be standardised to provide consistent levels of selected compounds, such as nitrates.

Why is beetroot popular in sports nutrition?

Beetroot is widely used in sports nutrition because of its naturally occurring nitrate content. Nitrates are involved in the body’s nitric-oxide pathway, which supports normal circulation and blood flow during physical activity.