Understanding the Core Difference: Supplement vs. Whole Food
At the most fundamental level, SuperBeets and beetroot are not the same thing. Beetroot is the nutrient-dense root vegetable, either in its whole form or as a simple, dehydrated powder. SuperBeets, on the other hand, is a branded supplement created by the company HumanN, which uses beetroot as its base ingredient but modifies and enhances it with proprietary processing and additional components. This crucial distinction affects everything from nutrient profiles and consistency to cost and overall benefits.
What is SuperBeets?
SuperBeets is a concentrated dietary supplement made from non-GMO beetroot powder. The company HumanN claims to use a patented technology that processes fermented and non-fermented beetroot to preserve and concentrate dietary nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide.
Key characteristics of SuperBeets include:
- Added Ingredients: SuperBeets formulas contain more than just beetroot. They are often blended with natural flavors, sweeteners like stevia, malic acid for tartness, and additional vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
- Standardized Potency: The company claims to provide a standardized, consistent amount of nitric oxide-boosting nitrates in every serving. This standardization addresses the natural variability of nitrate content found in fresh beets due to different growing conditions.
- Patented Process: The proprietary manufacturing process is designed to maximize nitric oxide activation in the body more effectively than standard beetroot supplements.
- Flavored for Taste: The addition of natural flavors like black cherry and apple is intended to mask the earthy taste of beetroot, which some consumers find unpleasant.
What is Standard Beetroot?
Standard beetroot refers to the whole vegetable or products derived from it with minimal processing. This includes raw, cooked, or roasted beets, as well as simple, dehydrated beetroot powder and juice.
Key characteristics of standard beetroot include:
- Single Ingredient: Standard beetroot powder is typically a single-ingredient product, made by simply drying and grinding the vegetable. It does not contain added flavors, sweeteners, or a vitamin blend unless specified.
- Variable Potency: The nitrate content in fresh beetroot can vary significantly depending on the soil quality, climate, and maturity of the vegetable. This means the nitric oxide-boosting potential can be inconsistent from one serving to the next.
- Natural Nutrients: Whole beetroot contains not only nitrates but also a higher concentration of fiber and other beneficial compounds like betalains and polyphenols.
- Earthy Flavor: Without added flavoring, beetroot juice and powders have a distinct, earthy taste that may not be palatable to everyone.
Comparison: SuperBeets vs. Standard Beetroot vs. Simple Powder
The choice between SuperBeets, standard beetroot powder, and whole beetroot comes down to prioritizing convenience, ingredient purity, consistency, and cost. Below is a comparison table outlining the key differences.
| Feature | SuperBeets (Powder/Crystals) | Standard Beetroot Powder | Whole Beetroot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formulation | Beetroot base with added flavors, sweeteners, and vitamins/minerals. | Dried and ground beetroot, single ingredient. | Raw or cooked root vegetable. |
| Nitrate Potency | Standardized for consistent nitrate content in each serving. | Highly variable, dependent on source and growing conditions. | Highly variable, dependent on growing conditions. |
| Processing | Fermented and non-fermented beetroot treated with patented technology. | Minimal processing: dehydration and grinding. | No processing, retains all natural nutrients. |
| Added Ingredients | Contains flavors, sweeteners (stevia), malic acid, magnesium, etc.. | Typically no additives; a pure product. | Contains only the natural compounds of the vegetable. |
| Fiber Content | Minimal to none, as it is a concentrated extract. | Some dietary fiber, but less than whole beets. | Highest dietary fiber content. |
| Convenience | High. Easy to mix and consume on the go. | High. Easy to mix and store. | Lower. Requires preparation (cooking, juicing, or slicing). |
| Cost | Highest per serving due to proprietary processing and branding. | Moderate, often significantly cheaper than SuperBeets. | Lowest overall cost, but requires prep time. |
| Taste | Flavored to be palatable; masks earthy taste. | Can have an earthy, bitter taste. | Flavor varies based on preparation; can be strong. |
How to Choose the Right Option for You
Your choice should be based on your personal health goals, budget, and preference for convenience and purity.
Here are a few considerations:
- For maximum convenience and consistent dosing: If you are focused on consistent nitric oxide benefits and prefer a quick, easy, and flavored drink, SuperBeets may be the right choice, provided the cost isn't a barrier.
- For budget-friendly purity: If you prioritize a pure product with no added ingredients and a lower price point, a standard, single-ingredient beetroot powder is a better option. It offers similar benefits, albeit with less predictable nitrate levels.
- For overall nutritional value: For those who want the full spectrum of nutrients, including dietary fiber and other natural compounds, incorporating whole beets into your diet is the optimal approach.
- For addressing specific health concerns: If you are considering beetroot for a specific health issue like blood pressure, consulting a healthcare provider is essential, especially if you are on medication.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Both SuperBeets and standard beetroot products have associated side effects and precautions, primarily due to their nitrate content.
- Beeturia: Consuming beets or beet-based products can lead to pink or red urine and stools. This is a harmless condition called beeturia and is no cause for alarm.
- Blood Pressure: The ability of nitrates to lower blood pressure means individuals on blood pressure medication should consult their doctor before starting a regimen to avoid an unsafe drop in blood pressure.
- Digestive Issues: Some people may experience mild digestive upset, bloating, or changes in bowel movements when starting a beet-based supplement.
- Taste and Mixing: While SuperBeets is formulated to have a better taste, some still find it unpalatable. Plain beet powder, even more so. Powdered products can also sometimes clump or leave residue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SuperBeets and beetroot are fundamentally different products. While SuperBeets is a highly processed, concentrated supplement with added ingredients and a proprietary process, beetroot is the whole food source or a simple, dried powder derivative. SuperBeets offers the advantage of convenience and consistent nitrate levels, but at a higher price and with added ingredients. Standard beetroot powder provides a pure, more affordable option with variable nitrate levels, while whole beetroot delivers the full range of nutrients, including fiber, but requires more preparation. Your final decision should reflect your priorities regarding cost, purity, convenience, and nutritional completeness. For a detailed review and comparison of various products, reputable sources like Healthline provide further insights.
Disclaimer: Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are on medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Is SuperBeets just another name for beetroot powder? Answer: No, SuperBeets is a specific brand of beetroot powder supplement. While it is made from beetroot, it is processed using a proprietary method and contains additional ingredients like flavors and sweeteners, unlike standard beetroot powder which is typically just ground, dried beetroot.
Question: What are the main ingredients in SuperBeets? Answer: The main ingredients in SuperBeets Heart Powder are non-GMO beetroot powder (including fermented beetroot), natural flavors, stevia leaf extract, malic acid, and a blend of vitamins and minerals like magnesium and vitamin C.
Question: Is the nitrate content higher in SuperBeets or standard beetroot? Answer: SuperBeets provides a concentrated and standardized dose of nitrates, which is more consistent than the highly variable amount found in whole beetroot or simple powders. However, fresh beet juice can also contain high nitrate levels.
Question: Does SuperBeets contain dietary fiber? Answer: No, SuperBeets is a concentrated powder that typically lacks the significant dietary fiber found in whole beetroot. If fiber intake is a priority, consuming the whole vegetable is a better option.
Question: Why is SuperBeets more expensive than other beetroot powders? Answer: SuperBeets is generally more expensive due to its proprietary, patented processing, added ingredients for flavor, and the branding associated with the HumanN company.
Question: Who should choose whole beetroot over a supplement? Answer: Individuals seeking the full nutritional benefits of the food, including dietary fiber and other natural compounds, and those who prefer a more budget-friendly approach, should choose whole beetroot. It's also best for those who want to avoid any additives.
Question: What are the common side effects of taking SuperBeets or beetroot? Answer: The most common side effect is beeturia, which is harmless pink or red urine/stools. Other potential side effects include mild digestive issues, and in some cases, a drop in blood pressure.
Question: Is SuperBeets better for athletic performance than standard beetroot powder? Answer: SuperBeets' standardized nitrate content may provide more predictable results for boosting nitric oxide, which can aid athletic performance. However, many standard beetroot powder products and beet juice also deliver similar benefits effectively and affordably.
