Martha Stewart recently shared a simple ingredient she adds to her daily green juice after her cardiologist recommended it. The ingredient is beetroot powder. While Stewart joked that it’s “like taking Ozempic,” experts say its real value comes from supporting heart health and improving circulation, not from acting like a weight loss medication.
Why Martha Stewart Added It to Her Daily Routine
On a recent podcast, Stewart said her cardiologist suggested adding beetroot powder to her daily green juice. Her favorite blend includes spinach, cucumber, ginger, celery, parsley and orange peel.
She says the powder makes the drink taste even better and has become part of her everyday routine. Although she joked that she hasn’t noticed Ozempic-like results, she enjoys using it because of its potential health benefits.
How It Supports Heart Health
The biggest benefit comes from the natural nitrates found in beets. Once consumed, the body converts these nitrates into nitric oxide, a compound that helps relax and widen blood vessels.
This may help:
- Support healthy blood pressure
- Improve blood circulation
- Deliver more oxygen throughout the body
- Support overall cardiovascular health
Because of these effects, beet-based supplements are often popular with athletes and people looking to improve their endurance.
Does It Really Help With Weight Loss?
The comparison to Ozempic created headlines, but experts say the two work in completely different ways.
Current research does not show that beetroot powder directly causes significant or long-term weight loss. Instead, better circulation and improved exercise performance may help people stay more active, which can support a healthy lifestyle over time.
What the Research Says
Several studies have found promising health benefits.
Research suggests regular beet juice consumption may help lower blood pressure in some people. Other studies have linked beet supplements to better endurance during exercise, especially high-intensity workouts.
Scientists are also exploring whether the natural compounds in beets may support brain health. Early findings suggest they could improve certain memory functions, although more research is needed.
Powder or Whole Beets?
Beetroot powder is a concentrated source of nitrates, making it an easy option for smoothies, yogurt or oatmeal. Just one tablespoon may provide a similar amount of nitrates as several whole beets.
Whole beets, however, offer an important advantage. They contain fiber, which supports digestion, gut health and healthy blood sugar levels. Including both in your diet can help you get the best of both worlds.
Choosing a Quality Supplement
Not every supplement offers the same quality. If you’re shopping for beetroot powder, look for products that:
- Clearly list their nitrate content
- Use standardized beet extracts when available
- Have been tested by an independent third party for purity and safety
Choosing a trusted brand helps ensure you’re getting a reliable product.
Who Should Use Caution?
While this supplement is safe for many healthy adults, it may not be the right choice for everyone. People with kidney stones, naturally low blood pressure, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should speak with their healthcare provider before using it regularly.
The Bottom Line
Martha Stewart’s favorite smoothie add-in has sparked plenty of interest, but experts say its benefits should be viewed realistically. It is not a replacement for Ozempic or other prescription medications.
Instead, beetroot powder may be a simple way to support heart health, healthy circulation, and exercise performance. When combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity, it can be a smart addition to a healthy lifestyle.
Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
