You’ve seen the ads. Maybe it was a podcast host swearing by it or a commercial during the news featuring a very energetic person talking about "nitric oxide." It's hard to escape. SuperBeets has basically become the face of the "functional food" movement, turning a humble, muddy root vegetable into a shiny, cherry-flavored powder.
But let's be real for a second. Is it actually doing anything, or is it just expensive, pink water?
Beets are amazing. Honestly, they’re one of the most underrated things in the produce aisle. But most people aren't exactly rushing to roast a bunch of beets on a Tuesday night. That’s where SuperBeets steps in. It promises the benefits of "three whole beets" in a single teaspoon.
The Nitric Oxide Secret
The whole logic behind SuperBeets—and why it’s even a thing—revolves around nitric oxide. Think of nitric oxide as a signal to your blood vessels to relax and open up. This process is called vasodilation. When your vessels are wider, blood flows more easily. It’s like clearing a traffic jam on the highway.
Beets are naturally high in nitrates. When you drink that powder, your mouth bacteria and stomach enzymes go to work, converting those nitrates into nitrites and, eventually, nitric oxide.
This isn't just marketing fluff. There is real, peer-reviewed science behind this mechanism. A 2017 review of 43 randomized studies confirmed that beetroot supplementation significantly lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure. We’re talking about an average drop of about 3.55 mmHg for systolic pressure. It’s modest, sure, but in the world of cardiovascular health, every little bit helps.
Energy Without the Jitters
People often ask me if SuperBeets is a stimulant. It's not.
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There’s no caffeine. There’s no guarana.
The "energy" people feel usually comes from better oxygen delivery. If your blood is moving more efficiently, your muscles and brain are getting what they need without your heart having to work quite as hard. It’s a subtle shift. You won’t feel like you just downed a double espresso, but you might notice you aren't hitting that 3 p.m. wall quite as hard.
Athletes have been using beet juice for years for this exact reason. Studies in journals like Frontiers in Physiology show that dietary nitrates can improve "exercise economy," meaning you can do the same amount of work while using less oxygen.
SuperBeets: What Most People Get Wrong
There is a massive misconception that SuperBeets is a "cure" for high blood pressure. It is not a medication. If you’re already on Lisinopril or Amlodipine, you can’t just swap your pills for a canister of beet crystals.
In fact, the "additive effect" is a real risk. If you combine a potent beet supplement with prescription blood pressure meds, your pressure could actually drop too low, leading to dizziness or fainting. Always, and I mean always, run this by your doctor if you're already being treated for hypertension.
The Missing "Whole Food" Element
Here is the nuance most influencers ignore: SuperBeets is a processed version of a vegetable.
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When you eat a whole roasted beet, you’re getting a significant amount of fiber—about 2 or 3 grams per beet. When you use the powder, you're getting almost zero fiber. You’re also missing out on the full spectrum of betalains (the antioxidants that give beets their color) that might get degraded during the dehydration process.
While the company (HumanN) uses a patented low-heat drying process to preserve nutrients, it's still a concentrate. You're trading the complex "synergy" of the whole plant for the convenience of a drink.
The "Pink" Surprise
We have to talk about the bathroom. Honestly.
There is a condition called beeturia. It’s 100% harmless but 100% terrifying if you aren't expecting it. About 10% to 14% of the population will notice their urine or stools turn pink or red after consuming beets or SuperBeets.
If this happens, don't panic. You aren't bleeding. It’s just the betacyanin pigments passing through your system. It usually clears up within 24 hours of your last dose.
Is It Better Than Regular Beet Powder?
This is where it gets tricky. If you go to a health food store, you can find generic "Organic Beet Root Powder" for half the price of SuperBeets.
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What are you paying for?
- Standardization: Generic powders can vary wildly in nitrate content. One batch might be great; the next might be mostly sugar and fiber with very little "active" nitrate. SuperBeets is standardized, meaning they test to ensure a specific level of nitric oxide potential.
- Taste: If you’ve ever tasted raw beet powder, you know it tastes like a literal clod of dirt. It’s earthy in a way that’s hard to mask. SuperBeets adds stevia and natural flavors (apple or black cherry) to make it actually drinkable.
- Solubility: Ever try to stir regular beet powder into water? It clumps. It’s grainy. It settles at the bottom. The "crystals" in SuperBeets are designed to dissolve almost instantly.
The Kidney Stone Connection
If you have a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones, you need to be careful. Beets are very high in oxalates.
Oxalates can bind to calcium in your urinary tract and form stones. For most people, this isn't an issue. But if your urologist has told you to follow a low-oxalate diet, SuperBeets is probably off the table for you.
Why the Oral Microbiome Matters
Here is a weird fact: If you use strong antibacterial mouthwash right after taking SuperBeets, you might be wasting your money.
The conversion of nitrate to nitrite happens largely thanks to bacteria living on your tongue. If you kill those bacteria with alcohol-based mouthwash, you break the chain. Research from the University of Exeter in 2025 showed that the "oral microbiome" is a key player in how well these supplements actually work, especially in older adults.
Real-World Action Steps
If you're thinking about trying it, don't just dive in blindly. Follow this logic:
- Check your meds first. Talk to your doctor if you're on blood pressure or ED medication (like Viagra), as both affect nitric oxide pathways.
- Timing is everything. If you’re using it for a workout boost, drink it about 2 to 3 hours before you head to the gym. That’s when nitrate levels in the blood typically peak.
- Don't skip the "Real" stuff. Use the powder for convenience, but try to eat whole beets once a week for the fiber and the full antioxidant profile.
- Monitor your response. Buy a cheap home blood pressure cuff. Take your reading before you start the supplement and then again after two weeks of consistent use. Data beats intuition every time.
- Watch the "Heart Chews" vs. Powder. The Heart Chews often contain Grape Seed Extract in addition to beets. It’s a great combo for circulation, but it’s a different formula than the pure beet crystals.
SuperBeets is a solid tool for cardiovascular support, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. It won't outrun a bad diet or a sedentary lifestyle. If you enjoy the taste and it helps you stay consistent with your heart health, it's a win. Just keep your expectations grounded in the actual science, not the late-night infomercials.