Betalain is one of the unsung heroes in plant-based supplements created from beets–a powerful vegetable suited for vegan diets that can promote better oxygen levels in the blood with a huge array of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Compared to other antioxidants, betalains are either similar to or better performing than flavonoids, tocopherols, and ascorbic acid as water-soluble pigments extracted from rich red and yellow plants and roots that are part of the Caryophyllaceae family.

Today, we'll look at the benefits of betalain for antioxidant support, some of the other popular alternatives, and why many sportspeople and health specialists recommend a red beet supplement for a vegan diet over any other.

An Introduction to Betalains as Natural Antioxidants

If you’re new to betalain, the basics are that this pigment is found naturally in vegetables, most commonly beets, and has been used for decades as a plant-based color additive. In recent years, analysts have been increasingly interested and excited in the health-promoting properties of betalains, which, as organic, vegan extracts, can reduce levels of oxidative stress and even work towards lowering chronic inflammation.

Although betalains can be found in other plants and roots, including prickly pears and Swiss chard, the betalains in beets are special for two reasons:

• The red color of the beet is due to the subgroup of betalains in the root vegetable; these are betacyanins, which are responsible for the red and purple colors, as opposed to betaxanthins, which create yellow or orange pigments.

• Beets contain phenolic betalains, which have a great antioxidant capacity for improved impacts. Phenolic betalains are preferable because their antiradical function–which combats free radicals–works more efficiently than other natural betalains.

Betalains are a type of antioxidant, but they degrade when their circumstances change, such as when exposed to light, air, and heat. This is why it is difficult to see any difference in energy, exercise performance, or general wellbeing simply by eating more beets.

Do the Betalains in Beets Outperform Other Vegan Antioxidants?

Quantitating the effects of antioxidants can be tricky because they can vary depending on our unique body compositions, levels of exercise, general health, and age.

However, betalains are considered ideal antioxidants for athletes and competitors or people looking to improve their circulation and heart health naturally, using only plants and vegan-friendly supplements.

In terms of antioxidant activity, betalains are a preferable supplement because betacyanins have a potency and performance comparable to or better than those found in other health-based ingredients, including green tea.

Comparing Natural Antioxidants for Health

We mentioned some of the other antioxidant substances earlier, and researchers have found that:

• Many food-based antioxidants or bioactive compounds are difficult to extract or use in supplementation due to their rapid breakdowns.

• Betalains are an exception because they are water-soluble, easier to extract, and used as a core ingredient with precise concentration levels.

• Using a more stable, soluble antioxidant means that supplements are more effective and have a wider range of applications, without doubts about whether the ingredients retain their antioxidant capabilities.

All of this means that our Organic Beet Root supplement or our AltRed sports-enhancing capsules are known to act as powerful antioxidants, activating your natural defenses, tackling free radicals, and helping you perform and feel at your best!