Boise's Beet Juice: Nitrate Lies Crashing Blood?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 5, 2026

Forget the latest superfood craze. Let’s talk about something far more fundamental: your blood pressure and the surprising impact of your tap water, especially if you call Boise, Idaho home. You’ve probably heard beet juice can lower blood pressure, but what if Boise’s water is sabotaging your efforts?

Beet juice works because of nitrates, which convert to nitric oxide in the body, relaxing blood vessels. But Boise’s water, like many municipal water supplies, can contain varying levels of nitrates itself. The question is, are those levels high enough to interfere with, or even negate, the benefits of beet juice?

Let’s dive into how to find out, and what to do about it.

First, test your water. Don’t rely on assumptions. The City of Boise publishes annual water quality reports, but these are averages. Your specific location and plumbing can influence nitrate levels.

• Order a test kit: You can purchase nitrate test kits online or at local hardware stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot in Boise. Look for kits specifically designed for drinking water. API Freshwater Master Test Kit is a popular option, though designed for aquariums, it can test for nitrates.
• Contact a certified lab: For the most accurate results, send a water sample to a certified laboratory. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) maintains a list of certified labs. Search “Idaho DEQ certified labs” online.
• Follow instructions carefully: Whether using a kit or sending a sample, meticulously follow the instructions to avoid contamination and ensure accurate results.

Once you have your nitrate level, here’s how to interpret it: The EPA’s maximum contaminant level (MCL) for nitrate in drinking water is 10 mg/L (as nitrogen).

• Below 5 mg/L: Your water is likely not interfering with beet juice’s effectiveness.
• 5-10 mg/L: Consider this a moderate level. Beet juice might still be beneficial, but the impact could be lessened.
• Above 10 mg/L: This exceeds the EPA’s limit and poses a health risk, especially for infants and pregnant women. Beet juice’s benefits are likely negated, and you should focus on reducing nitrate levels in your water.

Now, let’s say your test reveals elevated nitrate levels. What are your options?

1. Source Low-Nitrate Produce: The nitrate content of beets themselves can vary.

   • Buy organic: Organic farming practices often result in lower nitrate levels in produce. Check the labels at stores like Whole Foods Market in Boise.
   • Grow your own: If you have a garden, control the fertilizer you use. Avoid excessive nitrogen-based fertilizers.
   • Consider other nitrate-rich vegetables: Spinach and arugula also contain nitrates. If your water is high in nitrates, these might not be the best choices either.

2. Nitrate-Reducing Water Filters: These filters specifically target and remove nitrates from your water.

   • Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems: RO systems are highly effective at removing nitrates. Install one under your sink for drinking water. Brands like APEC Water Systems are readily available online.
   • Anion Exchange filters: These filters use a resin to exchange nitrate ions for chloride ions. They require regular regeneration with salt.
   • Check filter certifications: Ensure the filter is certified by NSF International to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for nitrate reduction.

3. Optimize Beet Juice Consumption: Even with elevated nitrate levels in your water, you can still try to maximize beet juice’s benefits.

   • Time your consumption: Drink beet juice 2-3 hours before exercise for optimal performance enhancement.
   • Combine with Vitamin C: Vitamin C can enhance the conversion of nitrate to nitric oxide. Take a Vitamin C supplement or eat citrus fruits with your beet juice.
   • Monitor your blood pressure: Regularly check your blood pressure to see if beet juice is having the desired effect. A home blood pressure monitor is a worthwhile investment.

4. Consider Beetroot Supplements: These supplements offer a concentrated dose of nitrates without the added water.

   • Look for standardized extracts: Choose supplements that are standardized to a specific nitrate content.
   • Start with a low dose: Begin with a low dose and gradually increase it as needed.
   • Consult your doctor: Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

A common pitfall is assuming that all beet juice is created equal. The nitrate content can vary significantly depending on the beets used and the juicing process.

Another mistake is relying solely on beet juice for blood pressure management. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management.

Boise residents face a unique challenge: balancing the potential benefits of beet juice with the potential impact of their water supply. By testing your water, understanding the results, and implementing the strategies outlined above, you can make informed decisions about your health and well-being. Don’t let the water you drink undermine your efforts to lower your blood pressure naturally. Take control, test your water, and optimize your beet juice consumption for a healthier you.