Wellness Exchange: Health Discussions
"Unlock Beet Benefits: Health, Heart, Brain, Performance"
Good luck. Beats are what you might call a nutritional powerhouse. They're brimming with antioxidants, which are these molecules that knock out free radicals. Free radicals are the bad guys in our cells, causing damage and contributing to diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. Hold up, Eric. That's right, but you're kind of skimming the surface here. Beats contain battalins, which are these pigments with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Lab studies on rats and tests on human cells suggest they could really help with cancer. Sure, Kate, but lab rats aren't humans. When it comes to beetroot juice, the real-world benefit seems minor. These show it can help with heart rate and blood pressure, but mostly... Those studies might be small, but dismissing them isn't fair. Beats nitrates convert to nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels function better. This can potentially lower blood pressure and boost... Nitrates do convert to nitric oxide, but the evidence for actual heart health benefits is a mixed bag at best. Most studies are small... Eric, how about the claims that beets can boost athletic performance? What's your take on that? It's another example of over-hyped claims. Most of the research focuses on elite athletes, showing tiny improvements in endurance. For the average person like you and me, the effects are pretty much zilch. I think you're missing the point, Eric. A study on teens with obesity showed they could exercise longer after drinking beet juice. It's not just an Olympian's secret weapon. All right, moving on. Kate, what's your take on the idea that beets can boost brain function? There's something to it. Chewable beetroot supplements improved memory in some studies. Your blood flow to the brain can enhance cognitive function. That's true, but there's a catch. While nitric oxide levels went up, not all studies showed improved thinking skills. The evidence isn't as good as it sounds. Both interesting points. Now, shifting gears, can you think of a past event or health trend that mirrors this beet conversation? Eric, what comes to mind? Easy, Ted. Remember the Akai Berry craze in the early 2000s? Just like Beets today, Akai was hyped for weight loss and anti-aging with limited evidence. Akai is close, but I think kale is a better example. Initially overlooked, kale was later hailed as a superfood once its health benefits. Kale might have had sustained research, but Akai had its moment in the limelight with exaggerated claims based on small studies. Eventually, the hype died down, revealed-- Kale, on the other hand, maintained its superfood status with rigorous studies showing real benefits. It proved that plant-based diets offer substantial improve-- Eric, any specific reason you bring up Akai? Absolutely, Ted. Just like with Akai, the claims about beets are inflated based on small-scale studies. It shows how the media can distort scientific findings. Kale's rise, though, came from mounting evidence. It highlights how whole foods in a balanced diet can deliver significant-- Now, looking ahead, what do you think will happen with beets as a superfood? Eric, your prediction? I see beets becoming just another fad. The excitement will fizzle out once bigger studies show only modest benefits. I totally disagree. Beets will make their way into dietary guidelines. Their long-term health benefits will be backed by ongoing research, promoting whole-- Like many superfoods before, beets will face pushback when folks realize they aren't miracle cures. They'll be just another part of that diet. Their diverse health perks will make them a staple in health-conscious diets. "I believe the ongoing research will--" Now, from a market perspective, do you think beets-based products will thrive? Beets supplements will see a surge for sure, but it won't last long. People will eventually return to whole foods as the fad fades away. On the contrary, the plant-based eating trend is on the rise. This will fuel demand for beets products in both whole and-- Historically, exaggerated claims lead to short-lived surges-- But the demand for natural health boosters is rising. This will sustain interest in-- Great insights, both of you. A fascinating discussion on the underrated beat. Thank you, Eric and Kate, for your valuable input. This has been "Listen 2" with TED. Until next time.