“A good farmer never misses a beet!” Anonymous
When it comes to beets, people tend to fall into two camps: love them or absolutely not. Depending on who you ask, they either taste like sweet earthy candy… or straight-up dirt. But before you write them off forever, give this underrated root veggie a second look — your body might thank you.
🌱 A Root with Real Power
Beets are packed with naturally occurring nitrates that help improve blood flow by boosting oxygen delivery throughout the body. That’s good news for your heart, your brain — and even your workouts.
Studies show that drinking beet juice before exercise can increase stamina and reduce fatigue, helping you go longer before hitting that wall. One study even found that beets helped prevent muscle exhaustion, making them a favorite among endurance athletes.
🧠 Beets & Brain Function
Research is also uncovering a strong connection between nitric oxide (which your body produces from beet nitrates) and brain health. A 2017 study in the Journal of Gerontology found that older adults who drank high-nitrate beet juice before light treadmill workouts had better blood flow to areas of the brain related to motor control, emotion, and cognition, compared to a placebo group.
These weren’t elite athletes — just everyday people on blood pressure meds who exercised three times a week. The difference? The beets.
🔥 Nature’s Anti-Inflammatory?
Beets also boast anti-inflammatory effects, with researchers even suggesting that beetroot extract may rival some synthetic drugs in its ability to reduce inflammation — a key factor in chronic conditions like heart disease, obesity, and cancer.
One study found that people with osteoarthritis in their knees experienced less pain and better joint function after taking a twice-daily dose of concentrated betalain (a powerful pigment found in beets).
⚖️ A Few Things to Keep in Mind
While beets are a nutritional powerhouse, they do come with a few caveats:
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High in oxalates: These can inhibit the absorption of calcium and iron, and may increase the risk of kidney stones in people prone to them. Balance your intake by getting those nutrients from other sources.
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Natural sugars: Beets have a moderate glycemic load, but a typical serving (½ cup) has a negligible effect on blood sugar for most people.
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Bathroom surprise: Beets can temporarily turn your urine or stool red — a harmless condition called beeturia. Don’t panic. You’re not bleeding. You just had beets.
Beets may not win everyone over on taste alone, but their benefits go way beyond flavor. Whether you’re sipping beet juice before a workout or tossing roasted slices into a salad, this humble root could be just the health boost you didn’t know you needed.
