The betalains (water-soluble pigments in plants) in beetroots give beets their intense purple color. Betalains are found in common fruits and vegetables, including beetroots. They play a crucial role in the production of vegan-friendly supplements because of their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.

In this article, we’ll define betalains and explore their benefits in beetroots. We will also explain why they’re essential for producing the best beet supplements.

 

Betalains: Explained

Betalain is derived from the Latin name ‘beta vulgaris,’ which refers to a common type of beet that produced the first betalain extract. Betalains are pigments that are responsible for the coloration of plants in the Caryophyllales order.

This means that the distinctive deep purple color you find in beetroots is the result of betalain pigments. These colorings can occur in different parts of a plant, including flowers, leaves, roots, stalks, and fruits.

 

Types of Betalains

There are two main classifications of betalains: betaxanthins and betacyanins. Betaxanthins are typically yellow or orange, so they don’t influence the appearance of beetroots, especially those that are red-violet and purple.

However, betaxanthins feature prominently in other fruits and vegetables, like the yellow and orange varieties of Swiss chards, cactus fruits, and amaranths. Betacyanins, on the other hand, are red-violet and contribute to the appearance of beetroots.

 

Properties of Betalains

Betalains have several notable properties like betalamic acid, which determines the betalain types. For instance, betacyanins have a cyclo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine residue, while betaxanthins contain an amine residue (amino acid).

Another property is betanin, which is found in betacyanins. This is a glucoside of betanidin and is responsible for giving red beets their color.

 

Benefits of Betalains in Beetroots

Betalains are found in red beet supplements taken for health purposes. These are plant-based chemical compounds that may provide a wide range of health benefits. Here are the main benefits of having betalains in beet supplements:

Antioxidation

Betalains are phytonutrients, meaning that they are plant-based antioxidants that can help your body fight viruses and bacteria that cause you to fall ill and break down your cells.

Aside from protecting your cells from accelerated oxidative damage, these chemicals can also prevent DNA damage by unstable molecules. These antioxidants provide free radicals with electrons, thus neutralizing them and preventing their chain of reaction from destroying other molecules.

Anti-Inflammation

Betalain uses betanin to inhibit the production of inflammatory proteins that cause communication between the damaged cells in order to control your immune system. These proteins regulate the development and activities of cells in your blood and your overall immune system.

Regular intake of betalain-rich beet supplements increases betanin levels in your body, preventing further creation of inflammatory proteins. This is why many medical experts advise their arthritis patients to take beet supplements.

Anti-Hypertensive Effects

Betalains may have anti-hypertensive effects that can help reduce your diastolic and systolic blood pressure. Experts attribute this to reduced plasma homocysteine, which is associated with high blood pressure.

Plasma homocysteine indicates the level of homocysteine in the blood. High levels of homocysteine in your blood increase the risk of developing high blood pressure and other related cardiovascular complications.

Furthermore, the antioxidant properties in betalains can play a significant role in improving the overall health of your heart by minimizing the risk of damaged arteries due to high blood pressure.

 

Final Thoughts

Betalain-rich beetroots are beneficial to the body thanks to their exceptional properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-hypertensive effects. If you’re looking for a trusted source of vegan supplements and essential nutrition, explore your options at Sur. We specialize in plant-based supplements that can improve your active lifestyle!