Did you know beets are a superfood? If you’ve been feeling sluggish, stressed, anxious, or depressed, beet root powder may be just what you need to boost your mood! Beet root contains nitrates, phenols, and betaine, all-natural compounds that act as antioxidants, improve organ function, support exercise performance, boost your mood, and have tons of other health benefits. Keep reading to learn how beet root powder could elevate your mood.
Some mood swings and mental health challenges may be linked to stress through free radical damage. Free radicals are charged particles that can attach to your cells and alter them, reducing their ability to function.
Your body is constantly managing the amount of free radicals in the brain, so even short bouts of stress can significantly increase the production of these free radicals. When this balance shifts, it means that the body does not have enough antioxidants to combat the amount of free radicals present, increasing the severity of issues like depression, reduced cognition, and anxiety.
The Effect of Beet Root Powder on Your Mood
Beets are naturally high in nitrates, which your body converts into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide’s main function is to relax the blood vessels, but that may affect your blood flow. When your blood vessels are relaxed, your body can more easily deliver blood containing oxygen and essential nutrients to your brain so it can operate at its best.
When you consume food high in nitrates, there is a measurable increase in cerebral blood flow, particularly in the areas of the brain that are linked to emotion and cognitive processing. This causes more antioxidants to be delivered to the brain to combat the free radicals that are damaging your neurons.
Luckily, the best beet root powder already has antioxidants on board in the form of phenols, so not only is beet root increasing blood flow, but it’s also boosting antioxidant levels. Evidence indicates that this increase in blood flow and antioxidant delivery improves cognition, reduces brain fog, and alleviates stress.
Not only can beet root powder help you manage your daily anxieties or negative feelings, but it can also help you react to stressors with less anxiety. Animal studies have shown that beetroot can reduce the physical and behavioral signs of stress during anxiety-inducing situations. Some researchers believe this is due to increased nitric oxide production, which may have antidepressant-like effects by enhancing neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to adapt, form new connections, and recover from stress over time.
As we age, neuroplasticity decreases, and neurodegeneration begins. Emerging research indicates that beet root may also have a protective effect on the brain, potentially reducing your susceptibility to neurodegeneration and brain diseases.
Betaine is another important compound found in beet root, which may improve mood by supporting the production of your feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine.
Other Benefits of the Best Beet Root Powder
Beet root powder isn’t just a mood-booster. It’s also a popular supplement among athletes, and for good reason. We talked about what increased blood flow does for your brain, but what about your muscles?
More blood flow = More oxygen to the muscles = Better performance
Researchers found that supplementing with beetroot reduces the “cost” of exercise, meaning that the body uses oxygen more efficiently, leading to better endurance and stamina when working out.
Another benefit of beet root supplementation? Lower blood pressure. Relaxing your blood vessels means that your blood is able to move through your arteries and veins more easily, exerting less force on the walls of your blood vessels, as well as your heart. If you have hypertension, this is a big deal, and translates to improved cardiovascular health.
The Best Organic Beet Root Powder Supplements
Whatever your goal, beet root powder could elevate your mood and more. Here are our top picks:
- Nature’s Way makes a great no-frills Beet Root Powder made from whole, non-GMO beets with no added ingredients. It’s ideal for someone looking for a simple, clean source of nitrates to support circulation, heart health, and energy — perfect for daily use or first-time beet powder users.
- If you’re looking for something that’s extra gut-friendly, Dr. Mercola makes a great Fermented Beet Root Powder. The fermentation enhances the bioavailability of the supplement, resulting in more nutrient absorption and potentially more nitric-oxide-boosting effects than a standard beet powder. It’s a great choice for those focused on exercise performance, faster nitrate uptake, or gut-friendly supplements, thanks to the added benefits of fermentation. Try it in your favorite smoothies.
- For people looking for more support than just the root, you can try a Whole Beets Powder. We like the one from Nature’s Answer, because it includes the full spectrum of beet nutrients. This powder is made from concentrated beetroot plus beet juice, delivering both the fiber-rich benefits of the root and the nitrate-rich potency of the juice. It also includes naturally occurring betalains and polyphenols, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Conclusion
Who knew beets were such a superfood? They’re packed with nutrients that can support everything from your mood, energy, and heart function to brain health. Whether you’re looking for performance perks, antioxidant power, or just a natural way to feel a little better day to day, beetroot is a surprisingly versatile and effective solution. Add a scoop of beet root powder to your routine and experience the benefits for yourself! Your body (and brain) will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best organic beet root powder?
While finding the best beet root powder is ultimately up to you, we like these three: Nature’s Way Beet Root Powder, Dr. Mercola Fermented Beet Powder, and Nature’s Answer Whole Beets Powder.
What are the benefits of organic beet root powder?
Beet root powder improves the delivery of oxygen and other nutrients to your brain for improved cognition and mood, muscles for athletic performance, and it even helps with cardiovascular health.
Can organic beet root powder improve mood?
Yes, by delivering more oxygen and nutrients to your brain, it can improve your mood and critical thinking skills. It can also help reduce oxidative damage to your brain cells.
- About the Author
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Madeleine holds a BSc in Human Biology and began her career in emergency medicine before transitioning to a wellness role as a personal trainer and nutritionist. This combination of medical and wellness expertise gives her a well-rounded understanding of health topics. Now a full-time health and wellness copywriter, Madeleine enjoys synthesizing digestible content from technical research so readers can make informed decisions about their health.