Betalains are found in plant-based supplements as vegan-friendly natural pigments extracted from beets. They have inherent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

These powerful plant compounds occur in vegetables and plants of specific colors. They are most often extracted directly from beets, and due to their potent antioxidant boost, they have incredible applications in sports and lifestyle supplementation.

Red beet supplements for health have long been used in competitive sports environments. Now, the applications for betalain and other antioxidants in general wellbeing and a balanced, plant-based diet are rapidly gaining attention.

What Are Betalains and Where Are They Found?

Betalains are natural pigments that give red beets their distinctive color. However, they are far more than one of nature’s dyes and have a structure built around a substance called betalamic acid.

These water-soluble pigments are found in several plants within the Caryophyllales family, as well as beets, including:

• Amaranth, a yellow seed that is similar to quinoa

• Cactus pears or prickly pears, which are either bright pink or yellow

• Pitaya, or ‘dragon fruit,’ which grows in hot climates

• Swiss chard, a green leafy vegetable that is a type of leafy spinach beet

Beets contain a type of betalain called ‘violet betacyanin,’ which differs from yellow betaxanthins, although both have been studied for their impacts on health as natural anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. Like many fiber, mineral, and vitamin-rich vegetables, beets have always been a healthy plant to include in your diet. Still, the concentration of betalains means that red beet supplements can also help promote healthy heart, liver, lung, and kidney functions.

How Are Betalains Good for Health?

The antioxidant properties in betalains are extremely valuable. Betalains react with oxygen and activate your natural antioxidant defenses, which can help protect your body from inflammation and stress. Other benefits include detoxification impacts and natural antimicrobial properties, which means beet supplements are safe for almost anybody and can contribute to better blood flow, circulation, and performance during sports.

Our AltRed supplement leverages the compelling benefits of betalains and is produced with beet root extract with a 25% betalain concentration. It augments how your body recovers after intense exercise, manages the strain of endurance sports and aerobic workouts, and even increases your lactate threshold, which means you can train harder for longer without fatigue.

Another option is the Organic Beet Root supplement, created with certified organic beet root powder. As a plant-based, vegan, and non-GMO supplement, Organic Beet Root is an excellent way to tap into the benefits of beets and naturally enhance your circulation and blood pressure by promoting the body's production of nitric oxide–an essential element for sports, stamina, and circulation.

Why Take a Betalain or Red Beet Supplement Rather Than Eating More Beets? 

A supplement is preferable to eating more cooked beets because, during cooking and exposure to heat, beets lose some of their nutritional value. Betalains are water-soluble, which means they start to degrade when exposed to light, oxygen, temperatures, and different pH levels. 

This lowers the concentration of all the health-positive properties and compounds during preparation, storage, and cooking. In contrast, supplements made with organic red beet powder provide a direct intake of betalains or nitrates without any potential for the effects to be limited or lost.