While beetroot peak harvest season is from late summer through October, research demonstrates that its vibrant juice offers remarkable benefits to the brain year round, specifically for brain injury and trauma recovery.

Studies published on the NIH databases and other reputable medical sources, such as that conducted by the University of Exeter and published by Free Radical Biology and Medicine journal in 2025, demonstrate how beetroot juice enhances cerebral blood flow and neuroprotection. “Our findings suggest that adding… beetroot juice – for just ten days can substantially alter the oral microbiome for the better, maintaining healthy brain function and slowing negative vascular changes,” explains Professor Anni Vanhatalo from the University of Exeter.

The scientific benefits of beetroot center on its high nitrate content—up to 11.4 grams per liter—which dramatically improves blood flow to injured brain tissue. Wake Forest University’s 2010 research first proved that beetroot juice increases blood flow to vulnerable brain regions, with researchers documenting enhanced oxygen delivery crucial for neural recovery.

Research at the University at Buffalo from 2023 also showed that beetroot juice can improve cerebrovascular function during stress, noting improved “cerebral autoregulation” mechanisms that protect against brain damage. Stroke recovery research shows 18 stroke survivors experienced increased nitrate levels supporting neural healing after 30 days of supplementation.