10 Top Tips for Choosing a Clean Organic Beet Root Supplement

Beet roots are a powerhouse of nitrates, antioxidants, and betalains, supporting heart health, endurance, and detoxification. But not all organic beet root supplements are equal—here’s how to pick the cleanest, most effective option.

1. Verify 100% Organic Certification

• Why? Beets are a high-pesticide crop (conventional beets often contain glyphosate).
• Look For:
  • USDA Organic or EU Organic certification.
  • Non-GMO Project Verified (avoid genetically modified beets).
• Red Flag: “Natural” ≠ organic (may still contain pesticides).

Best Brands: Organic beet powders from Terrasoul, Microingredients, or Sunfood.

2. Opt for Nitrate-Rich Beet Root (Not Just “Beet Juice Powder”)

• Key Benefit: Dietary nitrates → boost nitric oxide (NO) → improve blood flow.
• Best Form: Whole beet root powder (retains nitrates better than juice extract).
• Avoid: “Beet juice concentrate” (often stripped of nitrates during processing).

Nitrate Content Benchmark:

• ≥300mg nitrates per serving (clinical dose for endurance).

3. Third-Party Testing for Heavy Metals & Mold

• Why? Beets absorb heavy metals (lead, cadmium) from soil.
• Look For:
  • Heavy metal testing (COA available).
  • Microbial testing (aflatoxins, yeast/mold).
• Certifications: NSF, Informed-Sport (for athletes).

Top Tested Brands: HumanN SuperBeets, Pure Encapsulations Beet Root.

4. Choose Freeze-Dried Over Spray-Dried (Preserves Nutrients)

• Freeze-Dried Beet Powder:
  • Retains more nitrates, betalains, and enzymes.
  • Bright red/purple color = high antioxidant content.
• Spray-Dried Beet Powder:
  • Often heat-processed → degrades nitrates.
  • Duller color = lower potency.

Best Pick: Freeze-dried organic beet root powder (e.g., Amazing Grass Beet Elixir).

5. Check for Betalain Content (Antioxidant Power)

• Betalains (red/purple pigments) = anti-inflammatory, liver-supportive.
• Look For:
  • Deep red/purple color (indicates high betalains).
  • ≥50mg betalains per serving (for therapeutic effects).
• Avoid: Brownish powders (oxidized, low potency).

Best for Detox: Betalain-rich beet root + milk thistle combo.

6. Avoid Added Sugars & Fillers

• Common Additives in Beet Supplements:
  • Maltodextrin (high-glycemic filler).
  • “Natural flavors” (often contain hidden sweeteners).
  • Silicon dioxide (anti-caking agent).
• Clean Alternatives:
  • Pure beet powder (no additives).
  • Stevia/monk fruit-sweetened (if flavored).

Best Clean Option: Organic Traditions Beet Root Powder.

7. Synergistic Blends for Enhanced Benefits

• Best Combos:
  • Beet + Pomegranate (boosts NO synergy).
  • Beet + Turmeric (anti-inflammatory).
  • Beet + Hibiscus (lowers blood pressure).
• Avoid: Unnecessary filler herbs (e.g., cheap “greens blends”).

Top Synergistic Product: HumanN SuperBeets + Curcumin.

8. Proper Dosage for Desired Effects

• For Blood Pressure: 500mg–1,000mg beet root powder/day.
• For Endurance: 2,000–5,000mg (2–5g) pre-workout.
• For Detox/Liver: 1,000mg + milk thistle.

Clinical Dose for Nitrates: ≥300mg nitrates per serving (check label).

9. Watch for Oxalate Content (If Kidney Stone-Prone)

• Beets are high in oxalates (may worsen kidney stones).
• Solution:
  • Pair with calcium-rich foods (binds oxalates).
  • Choose low-oxalate beet extracts (some processing reduces oxalates).

Alternative: Beetroot nitrate capsules (lower oxalate content).

10. Verify Effects with Blood Pressure & Performance Testing

• If using for BP: Monitor before & after 4 weeks.
• If using for endurance: Track stamina, recovery time.
• Best Test: Blood nitric oxide levels (optional but insightful).

Expected Results:

• ↓ Blood pressure (5–10 mmHg) after 4 weeks.
• ↑ Exercise endurance (longer time to exhaustion).

Final Checklist for a Clean Beet Root Supplement

✅ USDA/EU Organic certified (no pesticides).
✅ Freeze-dried, not spray-dried (preserves nitrates).
✅ Third-party tested (heavy metals, mold).
✅ No added sugars/fillers (pure beet powder).
✅ High nitrate content (≥300mg/serving).
✅ Rich in betalains (deep red/purple color).
✅ Synergistic blends (e.g., beet + pomegranate).
✅ Proper dosage (1–5g/day, depending on goal).

10 Top Tips for Choosing a Clean Citrus Bergamot Supplement

Citrus bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a potent Mediterranean citrus fruit known for its heart health, cholesterol-balancing, and blood sugar benefits, primarily due to its unique flavonoids like brutieridin and melitidin. However, quality varies widely. Here’s how to pick the cleanest and best citrus bergamot supplement:

1. Verify the Extract Type: BPF™ or Flavonoid-Standardized

• Why? Most benefits come from specific flavonoids (e.g., brutieridin, melitidin, neoeriocitrin).
• Best Forms:
  • Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction (BPF™) – Clinically studied, standardized to ≥38% polyphenols.
  • Full-spectrum extract (whole fruit, not just peel) for synergistic effects.
• Avoid: Non-standardized “bergamot powder” (low potency).

Top Brand Example: Bergamonte® (by HP Ingredients) – Gold-standard BPF™ extract.

2. Third-Party Testing for Purity & Heavy Metals

• Why? Citrus fruits can absorb pesticides and heavy metals (lead, cadmium).
• Look For:
  • NSF, USP, or ConsumerLab certification.
  • COA (Certificate of Analysis) for:
    • Pesticides (glyphosate, organophosphates).
    • Microbes (mold, yeast).
    • Heavy metals (lead, arsenic).

Clean Brands: Pure Encapsulations, Thorne, Jarrow Formulas.

3. Proper Dosage Based on Research

• For Cholesterol: 500–1,000mg/day of BPF™ extract (standardized to 38% polyphenols).
• For Blood Sugar: 500mg 2x/day (before meals).
• For General Antioxidant Support: 250–500mg/day.

Red Flag: Supplements with <250mg per serving (likely ineffective).

4. Avoid Fillers & Unnecessary Additives

• Common Offenders:
  • Magnesium stearate (may hinder absorption).
  • Titanium dioxide (potential carcinogen).
  • Silicon dioxide (anti-caking agent).
• Clean Alternatives:
  • Veggie capsules (no gelatin).
  • Pure powder form (no fillers).

Best Choice: Pure Encapsulations Citrus Bergamot (BPF™).

5. Synergistic Blends for Enhanced Effects

• Best Combos:
  • Bergamot + Berberine (boosts cholesterol + blood sugar benefits).
  • Bergamot + CoQ10 (heart health synergy).
  • Bergamot + Green Tea Extract (enhances antioxidant effects).
• Avoid: Blends with unnecessary herbs that dilute potency.

Top Synergistic Product: Cardiovascular Research Bergamet Elite+ (bergamot + resveratrol).

6. Check for “Endothelium-Friendly” Formulas

• Why? Bergamot’s flavonoids support nitric oxide (NO) production, improving blood flow.
• Look For:
  • Standardized to ≥5% neoeriocitrin (key for NO support).
  • Combined with L-citrulline (for enhanced vasodilation).

Best for Circulation: Bergamonte® + Pycnogenol® blends.

7. Sourcing & Processing Transparency

• Best Sources:
  • Calabrian bergamot (Italy) – Highest flavonoid content.
  • Cold-pressed peel extract (preserves volatile oils).
• Avoid:
  • Cheap ethanol extracts (may degrade flavonoids).
  • Non-organic bergamot (risk of pesticide residue).

Top Sourced Brand: NutriDyn Citrus Bergamot (organic, full-spectrum).

8. Watch for Drug Interactions

• Bergamot inhibits CYP3A4 enzymes, affecting:
  • Statins (lovastatin, simvastatin) – May increase side effects.
  • Blood pressure meds – Can enhance effects (monitor BP).
  • Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine).
• Consult a doctor if on medications.

Safety Note: Bergamot does NOT cause grapefruit-like interactions (unlike some citrus).

9. Blood Testing Before & After Use

• If using for cholesterol:
  • Check LDL, HDL, triglycerides at baseline and after 8–12 weeks.
• If using for blood sugar:
  • Monitor fasting glucose & HbA1c.

Expected Results:

• ↓ LDL (15–30%), ↑ HDL (10–20%) (in clinical studies).
• ↓ Fasting glucose (10–15%).

10. Verify Effects on Mood & Stress

• Bergamot’s limonene content may:
  • Reduce anxiety (via GABA modulation).
  • Improve mood (aromatherapy benefits in some supplements).
• Look For:
  • Bergamot essential oil-infused capsules (for added calming effects).

Best for Stress: Bergamot + L-theanine blends.

Final Checklist for a Clean Citrus Bergamot Supplement

✅ Standardized extract (BPF™ or ≥38% polyphenols).
✅ Third-party tested (heavy metals, pesticides).
✅ 500–1,000mg per serving (clinical dose).
✅ No fillers/additives (stearates, titanium dioxide).
✅ Synergistic blends (e.g., bergamot + CoQ10).
✅ Sourced from Calabria, Italy (optimal potency).
✅ Supports nitric oxide (neoeriocitrin ≥5%).
✅ Blood tests pre/post usage (cholesterol, glucose).

Top Recommended Brands:

1. Bergamonte® (HP Ingredients) – Gold-standard BPF™ extract.
2. Pure Encapsulations Citrus Bergamot – Clean, no additives.
3. Jarrow Formulas Bergamot – Affordable, tested for purity.
4. Cardiovascular Research Bergamet Elite+ – Premium heart health blend.