Understanding the Benefits of Beet Supplements
Beets are a powerful superfood known for their high concentration of dietary nitrates. When consumed, these nitrates are converted by the body into nitric oxide (NO), a vital molecule that promotes vasodilation—the widening of blood vessels. This process is beneficial for several aspects of health, including supporting healthy blood pressure, improving circulation, and enhancing athletic performance by delivering more oxygen and nutrients to muscles. Beetroot supplements offer a convenient way to access these benefits without the need to consume large quantities of beets or their juice.
The SuperBeets Approach: Focus on Beetroot and Grapeseed
SuperBeets, produced by the company HumanN, is a well-established player in the beetroot supplement space. The brand primarily relies on a straightforward formula using non-GMO, U.S.-grown beetroot powder and clinically-researched French grape seed extract. This combination is designed to work synergistically. The nitrates in the beetroot powder boost nitric oxide production, while the polyphenols in the grape seed extract help protect the nitric oxide from free radicals, ensuring its availability to the body.
SuperBeets is available in several formats, including powders and heart chews. The chews, in particular, are favored by many for their convenience and flavor, which helps mask the strong taste of beets. The company emphasizes its scientific foundation and research, though some older studies were funded by the manufacturer. SuperBeets is generally perceived as a premium, high-quality product, which is often reflected in its price.
Key aspects of SuperBeets:
- Primary Ingredients: Beetroot powder and grape seed extract.
- Formulations: Powders and chewable supplements.
- Nitric Oxide Support: Leans on beetroot's natural nitrates, enhanced by grape seed extract's protective polyphenols.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known and marketed with an emphasis on scientific backing.
The Force Factor Total Beets Approach: A Multi-Ingredient Blend
Force Factor Total Beets differentiates itself with a more comprehensive, multi-ingredient formula. Instead of relying solely on beetroot powder, Total Beets includes a blend of beetroot powder and beetroot extract, often combined with other key ingredients to amplify the nitric oxide and cardiovascular benefits. A common formula includes L-Citrulline, an amino acid that plays a role in nitric oxide production, and nitrates from sources like NO3-T®. Additionally, some Force Factor formulas contain B vitamins, which assist with energy conversion.
Force Factor offers a wider variety of product formats, including powders, chews, and capsules, often at a more budget-friendly price point than SuperBeets. The chews are marketed for their pleasant taste, designed to appeal to those who dislike the earthy flavor of beets. This broader formulation and accessibility make it a popular choice for consumers looking for a well-rounded supplement.
Key aspects of Force Factor Total Beets:
- Primary Ingredients: Beetroot powder, beetroot extract, L-Citrulline, grapeseed extract (MegaNatural-BP), and B vitamins.
- Formulations: Powders, chews, and tablets.
- Nitric Oxide Support: Uses multiple pathways, including nitrates and L-Citrulline.
- Brand Reputation: Known for accessible, performance-oriented supplements with varied ingredient profiles.
SuperBeets vs. Force Factor Total Beets: A Comparative Table
| Feature | SuperBeets | Force Factor Total Beets |
|---|---|---|
| Core Ingredients | Beetroot powder, Grape seed extract | Beetroot powder/extract, L-Citrulline, Grapeseed extract, B Vitamins |
| Formulations | Powders, Heart Chews | Powders, Soft Chews, Capsules |
| Nitric Oxide Focus | Concentrates on nitrates from beets and protection from grape seed extract. | Uses a multi-pathway approach with nitrates, L-Citrulline, and B vitamins. |
| Taste | Pomegranate berry and other natural flavors, generally well-received. | Açaí berry flavor for chews, designed to mask beet flavor effectively. |
| Clinical Research | Cites studies, but some were manufacturer-funded. | References clinically-studied ingredients like MegaNatural-BP grapeseed extract. |
| Cost per Serving | Often positioned at a higher price point. | Generally more budget-friendly across product lines. |
| Additional Benefits | Heart health, circulation, and energy support. | Heart-healthy energy, improved circulation, added vitamin support. |
Making the Right Choice for Your Health
Ultimately, deciding which beet supplement is better depends on your individual health needs, preferences, and budget. Both brands offer products with proven ingredients designed to support nitric oxide production and cardiovascular health. However, their different approaches to formulation mean they may appeal to different consumers.
For those who prefer a more streamlined, beet-and-grape-seed-focused product and value a well-known name with a strong emphasis on research, SuperBeets is an excellent choice. It's a reliable, premium option, especially for users who prefer the taste and format of their chews or powders.
For individuals seeking a broader blend of ingredients and potentially more enhanced effects through multiple nitric oxide pathways, Force Factor Total Beets offers a strong alternative. The inclusion of L-Citrulline and B vitamins might provide a more noticeable energy boost for some users. Its multiple formats and competitive pricing also make it a versatile option for different preferences and budgets.
Consider your primary health goals. Are you focused strictly on the core benefits of beetroot and grapeseed, or do you want the added advantages of B vitamins and L-Citrulline? Do you need a specific format, such as a capsule or chew? Do you have a taste preference that makes one brand more appealing than the other? For instance, if you prioritize cost-effectiveness and like the idea of added L-Citrulline for an extra boost, Total Beets might be a better fit. If you value brand-specific research and are focused primarily on the beet-grape combination, SuperBeets holds the edge. The best supplement is the one you will take consistently.
Conclusion
In the debate of which is better, SuperBeets or Force Factor Total Beets, there is no single right answer, as both are effective beetroot supplements with slightly different philosophies. SuperBeets offers a high-quality, focused formula ideal for those prioritizing the core benefits of beetroot and grapeseed extract. Force Factor Total Beets provides a multi-ingredient blend with added L-Citrulline and vitamins, catering to those who want a broader approach to nitric oxide and energy support, often at a more accessible price point. By comparing ingredients, costs, and formats, you can choose the supplement that best aligns with your personal health objectives and lifestyle.
For more in-depth information on the health benefits of beets, you can consult research articles on reputable sites like Healthline.
