Many plant-based nutritional supplements contain betalains, especially those derived from beetroots. Betalains are widely recognized for their possible effect on the heart. This is supported by research that suggests these plant-derived compounds have the potential to improve cardiovascular health.
What Are Betalains?
Betalains are pigments produced by plants, which are often used for coloring foods and medicinal purposes. These pigments are water-soluble, nitrogen-based, and come from an amino acid called ‘tyrosine.’
The main source of betalains is the red beetroot. Betalains are responsible for a beet’s vibrant violet color. The pigment also comes in other colors, like red, orange, and yellow.
There are two main classes of betalains: betacyanins and betaxanthins. Betacyanin colors range from red to violet, while those in the betaxanthin class range from yellow to orange.
These pigments are found in different parts of a plant, including flower petals, fruits, leaves, stems, and roots. Betalains have some key medicinal properties, including chemopreventive and anticancer elements.
They’re also packed with antioxidants to keep you looking and feeling energetic. This is why beetroots are the main ingredients of many plant-based antioxidant supplements!
How Do Betalains Improve Heart Health?
Betalains can reduce oxidation in the blood, improve your lipid profile, manage blood pressure, and lower homocysteine.
Reduced Oxidation
With so many antioxidant properties, betalains can counteract the free radicals responsible for the deterioration of body cells. The oxidative stress caused by free radicals contributes significantly to heart complications like heart failure and cardiomyopathy.
By reducing oxidative stress through regular use of betalain supplements, you may be able to prevent these cardiovascular problems and enhance vascular vasodilation and the overall function of your heart.
Better Lipid Profile
A lipid is a fatty substance your body needs for growth, better performance, and energy boost. A lipid profile (also called a ‘lipid panel’) involves testing your blood to determine its levels of lipids. Knowing your lipid profile can help you estimate your chances of developing cardiovascular complications like stroke.
A blood test can measure common lipids like cholesterol (good and bad) and triglycerides. Betalains are known to reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides, which will improve your lipid profile. They can also minimize the amount of plaque accumulating in your arteries, a major cause of stroke and heart attack.
Managing Your Blood Pressure
Is beetroot extract good for you? Yes–this extract contains many beneficial properties like betalains and nitrates.
Hypertension occurs due to excess pressure in your blood vessels. This means that the walls of your arteries are consistently under immense pressure, increasing your risk of stroke and heart attack.
When nitrates mix with your saliva, they turn into nitric oxide. This helps your blood vessels expand to allow enough blood to flow to different parts of your body. Taking betalain supplements regularly can boost the levels of nitric oxide in your body and keep your blood vessels relaxed, which can help stabilize your blood pressure.
Lowering Homocysteine
Homocysteine is a type of amino acid responsible for tissue growth and metabolism. Excess homocysteine can lead to heart complications like blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes.
Elevated homocysteine is also a sign of vitamin deficiency. This amino acid is broken down by vitamins B6, B12, and folate to produce essential chemicals. Betalain supplements contain these vitamins and folate to help break down homocysteine and minimize the risk of heart disease.
Final Thoughts
Betalain supplements can play a crucial role in enhancing your heart health by neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, lipids, and homocysteine levels in your body.
If you want to try betalain supplements made from organic beetroots, check out AltRed and the organic beetroot supplement from Sur Nutrition. We believe in the power of plants to improve your health and overall wellbeing!