Beets, the humble root vegetable, and SuperBeets, a popular branded supplement, both offer potential health benefits, particularly related to nitric oxide production. However, they are fundamentally different products, varying in form, concentration, cost, and overall nutritional profile. Understanding these distinctions is key to deciding which best fits your dietary goals and lifestyle.
What are fresh beets?
Fresh, whole beets are a nutrient-dense whole food. As a vegetable, they contain a comprehensive array of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The primary active compounds are nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide, helping to dilate blood vessels and support healthy blood pressure. Beets also boast powerful antioxidants called betalains, responsible for their deep red hue.
Nutrient density in fresh beets can vary significantly depending on growing conditions. The preparation is also less convenient; they require washing, peeling, and cooking, or juicing, which can be time-consuming and messy. Juicing also removes most of the vegetable's beneficial fiber. Common culinary uses include roasting, boiling, pickling, or adding them raw to salads and smoothies.
What is SuperBeets?
SuperBeets is a dietary supplement made by the company HumanN, typically sold as a flavored powder or chews. The powder consists of dehydrated, non-GMO beetroot powder, which is processed to concentrate the nitrates. Some products may also contain fermented beetroot powder.
Unlike fresh beets, SuperBeets offers a consistent, standardized amount of nitrates in every serving. The supplement also includes other ingredients for taste and additional benefits. The powder often contains natural flavors (like apple or black cherry), malic acid, magnesium ascorbate (Vitamin C), and stevia leaf extract for sweetness. The Heart Chews version, for example, adds clinically studied grape seed extract. This processing and standardization come at a much higher cost per serving than fresh beets.
Key differences: Beets vs. SuperBeets
To better understand the core distinctions, here is a comparison table outlining the key differences between fresh beets and the SuperBeets supplement.
| Feature | Fresh Beets | SuperBeets (Powder/Chews) |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Whole, unprocessed vegetable | Processed, concentrated powder or chewable |
| Nutrient Profile | High in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants (betalains) | Concentrated nitrates; lower fiber; includes added ingredients, vitamins, and flavorings |
| Nitrate Concentration | Varies significantly depending on growing conditions and preparation | Standardized and concentrated dose per serving, ensuring consistency |
| Convenience | Less convenient; requires cleaning, cutting, and cooking/juicing | Highly convenient; simply mix powder with water or eat chews on the go |
| Cost | Much more affordable per serving | Significantly more expensive per serving |
| Taste | Earthy, often disliked by some; can be improved by cooking | Flavored to mask the earthy beet taste, sweetened with stevia or sugar |
| Scientific Backing | Numerous studies support the general health benefits of beetroot | Claims often based on broader beet research; specific product studies are often manufacturer-funded |
| Fiber Content | High, especially when eaten whole; lost during juicing | Lower or negligible, depending on the specific product formulation |
A closer look at the comparisons
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Concentration vs. Whole Food: While SuperBeets provides a reliable, concentrated dose of nitrates, it sacrifices the full nutritional spectrum found in the whole food. The processing means a loss of most of the fiber, an important component for digestive health. Fresh beets, when consumed whole, provide a complete nutritional package, including a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that work synergistically.
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Consistency and Control: For those who need a precise and consistent daily intake of nitrates, SuperBeets offers an advantage. The standardized dose eliminates the variability found in fresh produce. However, this consistency is achieved through manufacturing, and the nitrate content is not always clearly disclosed.
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Cost vs. Convenience: The trade-off between cost and convenience is a major consideration. SuperBeets offers an easy, quick solution for boosting nitrate intake, which is valuable for busy individuals or athletes. However, this convenience comes at a premium price, making fresh beets a far more budget-friendly option for consistent, long-term use.
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Added Ingredients: SuperBeets uses natural flavors and sweeteners like stevia to improve palatability. While these are generally considered safe, some users may prefer a product with fewer additives. Fresh beets can be enjoyed on their own or flavored naturally with ingredients like lemon or ginger in juices.
Which is right for you?
Choosing between fresh beets and SuperBeets depends largely on your personal priorities, budget, and health goals. Consider the following when making your decision:
- Convenience: If you prioritize a fast, simple method for daily nitrate intake and don't mind the higher cost, SuperBeets is an easy choice. If you have more time and prefer to prepare whole foods, fresh beets are suitable.
- Nutrient Profile: If maximizing overall nutrition, including fiber and a full spectrum of vitamins, is your goal, fresh beets are the superior option. SuperBeets focuses on a concentrated dose of nitrates but contains fewer of the whole vegetable's benefits.
- Cost: For budget-conscious consumers, fresh beets are the clear winner. The supplement can be significantly more expensive for regular use.
- Taste Preference: If you dislike the earthy taste of beets, SuperBeets' flavored formulas may be more palatable. For those who enjoy the natural flavor or are skilled at incorporating fresh beets into recipes, taste is less of a factor.
Conclusion: Making your choice
At the core, the difference between beets and SuperBeets boils down to whole food versus supplement. Fresh beets provide a complete and balanced nutritional profile, rich in fiber, vitamins, and natural nitrates, at a lower cost. However, their nitrate content is inconsistent, and they require more preparation time. SuperBeets offers the advantage of convenience and a standardized, concentrated dose of nitrates, which can be beneficial for specific performance or health goals. The supplement, however, is more expensive and has a different nutritional composition due to processing and added ingredients. Neither is inherently better than the other; the right choice depends on what you value most in your health regimen. For those seeking the benefits of a whole food, fresh beets are best, while those prioritizing consistency and convenience may prefer SuperBeets.
Visit Verywell Health for more information on comparing beet products
