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Beetroot

Beetroot (usually as juice) is a supplement with a high nitrate content that is said to improve physical performance secondary to nitric oxide. It appears to have some evidence for this claim in healthy athletes.

Our evidence-based analysis on beetroot features 56 unique references to scientific papers.

Kamal Patel
Research analysis led by and reviewed by the Examine team.
Last Updated:

How to Take

Recommended dosage, active amounts, other details

Beetroot tends to be dosed on the nitrate content, with around 0.1-0.2mmol/kg (6.4-12.8mg/kg) being the target for nitrate. This is about 436mg for a 150lb person, which is comparable to half a kilogram (500g) of the beetroots themselves (wet weight).

Consumption of beetroots for the nitrate content can be either via a puree or smoothie, or the beets themselves can be baked in an oven into chips. The aforementioned cooking techniques do not appear to reduce the nitrate content.

Frequently Asked Questions and Articles on Beetroot

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Beating high blood pressure with beets
Previously demonized in the form of nitrate food preservatives, nitrates are now being researched for heart disease protection.
Read full answer to "Beating high blood pressure with beets"
Are nitrates from beetroot and processed meats the same thing?
Although the food products they are gained via differ widely, the nitrates contained in processed meats and vegetables are the same molecules
Read full answer to "Are nitrates from beetroot and processed meats the same thing?"

Things to Note

Is a Form Of

Primary Function:

Other Functions:

Also Known As

Beetroot juice, Beet, Beetroot, beetroot

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This page features 56 references. All factual claims are followed by specifically-applicable references. Click here to see the full set of research information and references for Beetroot.

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