Dietary Nitrates — 250–400 mg/100 g fresh weight
Converted by oral bacteria to nitrite → nitric oxide (NO) in the body. NO dilates blood vessels, reduces oxygen cost of exercise, and improves endurance performance. Meta-analyses show beetroot nitrate supplementation reduces systolic blood pressure by 4–5 mmHg (Siervo et al., 2013, Journal of Nutrition) and extends time-to-exhaustion in athletes by 2–5%
💡 Beetroot microgreens retain meaningful nitrate levels; concentrated forms (powder/juice) provide higher doses per serving
Betalains — Betacyanins + Betaxanthins
The deep red-violet pigment is betanin (dominant betacyanin). Betalains scavenge DPPH free radicals, protect DNA from oxidative damage, reduce LDL oxidation, and have documented anti-tumour activity in vitro. Betalain antioxidant capacity has been compared to ~10× that of Vitamin E in some in vitro assays
💡 Beet microgreens contain the highest flavonoid content of all tested microgreen varieties — 1,625 mg/100 g (University of Maryland / USDA analysis)
Betanin (dominant betalain pigment)
Hepatoprotective; reduces inflammation; anti-tumour activity by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in cancer cell lines
💡 PMC8565237 (2021): betacyanins 2.075 g/100 g + betaxanthins 1.901 g/100 g dry extract of beetroot
Polyphenols & Flavonoids
Synergistic antioxidant effect with betalains; support cardiovascular and metabolic health
