Beets are one of the ideal plant-based nutritional supplements, and they are suited to people of all ages, including those following vegan and vegetarian lifestyles and those who try to avoid animal-derived products due to preferences or health and cultural reasons.

As with all Sur product ranges, our Organic Beet Root and AltRed supplements are 100% vegan and plant-based. This means you get the maximum boost of oxygen-improving betalains or heart-healthy antioxidants without synthetics or chemicals.

You’ll find full details of the performance aspects of both top-selling beet-based options in our Red Beet Supplement Buying Guide, but we've outlined here some of the factors to consider when incorporating red beets into a vegan diet.

How Are Red Beet Supplements Beneficial for Vegans?

Beets are a vitamin and nutrition-packed root vegetable that easily fits into a vegan diet. They are one of nature's superfoods, with enormous amounts of betalain and other antioxidants, as well as nitrates.

The benefits are compelling and apply to almost every aspect of life:

• Improved nitric oxide production, which our bodies create from nitrates, is used for stamina, energy, and blood vessel dilation

• Enhanced athletic performance, endurance, and muscle recovery times

• Augmented blood flow, which may help avoid or lower the risk of developing high blood pressure

Because beet supplements are created from natural vegetables, they are safe to take and provide a better intake of antioxidants than you would achieve by simply eating more beets. Beet smoothies, juices, and roasted beets are whole foods that contain useful vitamins. However, they don’t have the same antioxidant impact as beet supplements because betalains–the important ingredient in beets–break down during cooking. 

Which Supplements Should Vegan People Take?

Vitamins and minerals that are trickier to get from a vegan diet include vitamins D and B12, iron, calcium, selenium, and iodine, all of which are available through supplements. Part of the challenge is that even vegan-friendly foods with larger amounts of essential nutrients, like calcium, tend to lose some of their nutritional capacity. 

This also applies to betalains. Eating more beets or drinking beet smoothies is generally positive, but the antioxidants have greatly reduced effectiveness as they are water-soluble and, therefore, lose potency quickly when cooked, exposed to sunlight and air, or washed.

The best vegan supplements may depend on your goals and activity levels. Still, supplements may be the best way to improve your intake of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, contributing to strong bones, heart health, and energy levels.

What Are the Health Benefits of Vegan Beet Supplements?

We’ve mentioned betalains–these are the pigments that give beets their distinct red color, but are also powerful antioxidants, thought to:

• Lower oxidative stress

• Tackle inflammation

• Reduce risks of certain health concerns

Importantly, betalains can improve our cardiorespiratory endurance, which means athletes and sports competitors can train more efficiently and work for longer without experiencing fatigue. Nitrate-rich plants also provide better performance enhancements over time, as our bodies produce higher amounts of nitric oxide. 

This helps blood flow to our muscles and reduces the 'cost' of oxygen we need to perform a task. Therefore, adding red beet supplements to a vegan diet isn't only useful but can provide ongoing advantages that improve the longer you take them!