If you’ve ever sipped a glass of beet juice and thought, “Wow, this tastes like the earth itself,” you’re not wrong. Beets are root vegetables, which explains their deep, earthy flavour.
But before you write them off as unappetizing or just another hippy-dippy wellness fad, let’s talk about why beet juice deserves a prime spot in your fridge. Spoiler alert: It’s not just about the nutrients—it’s about how they actually impact your health in ways you’ll feel.
Why beet juice is a health hero
Beets might not have the star power of, say, a green smoothie, but they’ve got serious game when it comes to boosting your health. Here are four excellent reasons to acquire a taste for crimson-coloured elixir.
1. Boosts stamina and endurance
If your workouts have been feeling a little sluggish, beet juice might be your new best bud. Beets are packed with nitrates, which help increase nitric oxide production in the body. Translation? Your blood vessels relax, allowing more oxygen-rich blood to reach your muscles. Studies show that athletes who drink beet juice can improve endurance by up to 16%. So, if you’re training for a spring race, beets might be your MVP.
2. Supports heart health
Heart disease remains a top health concern in Canada, and worldwide, but the humble beet can help keep your ticker in tip-top shape. Thanks to its ability to lower blood pressure—sometimes within just a few hours of drinking it—beet juice can reduce strain on the heart.
3. Aids digestion and gut health
If bloating or sluggish digestion has you feeling less than your best, beet juice might be the gut reset you so desperately need. It contains betaine, a compound that supports liver function and bile production—both of which help break down fats and improve digestion. Plus, beets are naturally high in fibre, so while juice removes most of it, you’ll still get some gut-loving benefits.
4. Supports brain function
Feeling foggy? Beets have your back. Studies suggest that the nitrates in beet juice can increase blood flow to the brain, particularly in areas associated with cognitive function. This could be a game-changer for preventing age-related decline and keeping your mind sharp. So, whether you’re crushing a work deadline or just trying to remember where you left your AirPods (again), a little beet boost can really snap you out of it.
How to make beet juice your way
Okay, we’ve established that beet juice is basically a wellness cheat code. But how do you actually enjoy it without feeling like you’re drinking garden juice? The first step is to put your grown-up taste buds on—I say it playfully with love, but I’m dead serious! Acquire a taste for it knowing that it’s a superfood superstar and not everything has to be doused in sugar to be enjoyed. But there are some tweaks you can make to adjust its flavour and make it a little more palatable.
- Mix it up: If pure beet juice is just too earthy for your taste, blend it with apple, ginger, and lemon for a fresh, slightly sweet kick.
- Pre-game your workouts: For best results, drink beet juice about 2-3 hours before exercise to maximize its endurance benefits.
- Start small: Beet juice is powerful—too much too fast can lead to an upset stomach (or, uh, unexpected bathroom surprises). Start with half a cup and work your way up.
- Make it a mocktail: Feeling fancy? Add some sparkling water, a simple syrup made with raw honey and a sprig of rosemary for a beet-powered healthier happy hour.
How to make beet juice
- With a juicer: Simply wash and peel your beets (or just scrub them well if you’re keeping the skin on), chop them into chunks, and run them through your juicer. Add other ingredients like apple or ginger to balance the flavour.
- With a blender: No juicer? No problem. Chop your beets into small pieces and blend them with a little water until smooth. Then, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the pulp, scraping or squeezing out as much juice as possible.
Beet juice isn’t just another overhyped trend—it’s a science-backed way to support your energy, heart, brain, and gut health. Whether you drink it straight, mix it into smoothies, or add it to your pre-workout routine, you might just find yourself wondering why you didn’t hop on the beet bandwagon sooner. It’s worth a shot—literally. Now beet it and get to juicing!
About the Author
Alicia is a journalist and editor in digital and print media specializing in health, nutrition, fitness, and wellness. She was previously the Editorial Director of Clean Eating and Vegetarian Times. Her work has also appeared in Hone Health The Edge, Yoga Journal, Women’s Running, and Oxygen, among others. In addition to being a content creator, she's an ISSA-certified nutritionist, certified personal trainer, and fitness studio owner in Toronto. Alicia loves spreading the word about helpful, science-backed health information, and she can be contacted via her website at aliciamtyler.com.
