Sometimes the healthiest choices are also the most colorful. Beet juice and tart cherry juice get their deep red hues from different plant compounds, and both can bring something valuable to the table when it comes to supporting your heart. Better yet, they work in different ways, so there’s no need to pick a favorite.
Beet juice is naturally rich in nitrates, which your body converts into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps your blood vessels relax and supports healthy blood flow and blood pressure. Research has found that drinking beet juice may lower systolic blood pressure, with one analysis reporting a reduction of about 5 mmHg in adults with high blood pressure.
Tart cherry juice brings a different set of benefits. It's rich in anthocyanins and other antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which can affect cardiovascular health. Some research has linked tart cherry juice with improvements in systolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and C-reactive protein, although findings haven't been consistent across all studies. Rather than viewing these colorful drinks as competitors, think of them as two different ways to add beneficial plant compounds to a heart-healthy diet.
SOURCE:
Health, October 6, 2026