Beets
Beta vulgaris
Vegetables. Modern nutrition.
Also called Beetroot, Red beet, Garden beet, Table beet
Spanish: Remolacha
Lowers blood pressure a littleA sweet, earthy root vegetable with red or golden flesh, whose nitrate content is the part studied most.
Did you know? Sugar beet is the same species as the garden beet, and it supplies a large share of the world's sugar.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Blood pressure. Several small trials show beet juice lowers blood pressure a little for a few hours. The effect is modest and short.Early proof
- Muscles & exercise. Some small trials show beet juice may help endurance exercise. Results vary between people.Early proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Beets were eaten in Europe for centuries as food. Folk uses of beet juice for blood health are not well proven.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Nutritive, Hypotensive. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
Eat roasted, boiled or raw beets as food. Trials on blood pressure often used about 250 to 500 mL (1 to 2 cups) of beet juice once a day.
Food and juice.
Where to get it
Grown in cool climates worldwide. Sold fresh, cooked in jars, and as juice or powder. Nitrate powders are sold to athletes.
Be careful
Safe as food for most people, but beets are high in oxalate, which can add to kidney stone risk. Beets can turn urine pink, which is harmless. If you take blood pressure medicine, check with a doctor before drinking large amounts of beet juice.
Avoid if: kidney stones; low blood pressure.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Raw beets and carrots are a classic pair in grated salads and slaws.
- Works well together
Beet and apple juice is a common blend, and apple adds sweetness.
- Use cautionBlood pressure medicine (lisinopril, amlodipine, losartan)
Beet nitrate can add to blood pressure medicines and push pressure too low.
Adds up with others that may lower blood pressure: , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 12 more.
The honest take
Beets are a good food. Beet juice has the most research for a small, short drop in blood pressure. Claims that beets detox the body or boost stamina for everyone are not well proven.