What are Betalains?
Betalains are a unique group of red and yellow pigments found in plants, specifically in the order Caryophyllales. Red betalains are called betacyanins and are responsible for the vibrant red color of beets, dragonfruit (pitaya), and some red grapes, while betaxanthins are yellow-orange. They are not related to the more common anthocyanin pigments responsible for the red, blue, and purple colors in many fruits and flowers.
Betalains are nitrogen-containing pigments derived from tyrosine, an amino acid. Each betalain molecule is a glycoside, meaning it consists of a sugar molecule linked to a colored portion.
Betalains make up to ~70–100% of phenolic composition of beetroot, limited to 0.8–1.3 g/L of fresh beetroot juice (about 60% betacyanins and 40% betaxanthins).
What are the benefits?
Studies suggest that betalains offer some health benefits due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties contribute to:
- Improved cardiovascular health (e.g., cholesterols)
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases
- Enhanced detoxification processes
- Improved cognitive function
- Protective effect on liver and kidneys
- Improved exercise performance
- Noted anti-tumor activity (see studies)
Support Research/Studies
- Influence of Betalain-rich Extract on Reduction of Discomfort Associated with Osteoarthritis
- Beetroot as a functional food with huge health benefits: Antioxidant, antitumor, physical function, and chronic metabolomics activity
- Current Knowledge on Beetroot Bioactive Compounds: Role of Nitrate and Betalains in Health and Disease
- Functional properties of beetroot (Beta vulgaris) in management of cardio-metabolic diseases
- Effects of betalains on atherogenic risk factors in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Why ALOVÉA?
Alovéa’s patented PROLAIN comes from purified beetroot with bonded sugars removed from the betalains (US Patent #20170216331A1).
Sugar is a major contributor to inflammation and beetroot contains a high amount of natural sugars (and calories) with 100mL of raw beetroot juice containing 95 calories, nearly 23g of carbohydrates, and over 12g of sugar (8.8g of sucrose, 2.5g of glucose, and 0.86g of fructose). Alovéa’s technology breaks the bond between the betalains and sugars, removing the sugars, thus creating a more effective betalain.
Thermographic imaging of a cabinet maker just hours after taking Alovéa Limitless:
BEFORE
AFTER
Alovéa Limitless provides proven joint flexibility and comfort support, reducing inflammatory biomarkers up to 47%.*
Did you know?
Standard beetroot extract contains sugars totaling 70% of the calories. Check your labels!