Evidence supporting the use of: Beet
For the health condition: PMS (general)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Beet (Beta vulgaris) is sometimes used in traditional and folk medicine as a supportive food for women experiencing premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but its use is not widely documented in major herbal or ethnobotanical texts specifically for PMS. The rationale for its inclusion in some traditional remedies relates to its nutrient content, particularly iron, folate, and magnesium—nutrients that can support general menstrual health and energy levels, which may be beneficial for some PMS symptoms like fatigue and mild mood changes. However, there is no robust scientific validation for beets as a primary treatment for PMS, and clinical studies are lacking.

Most references in natural health literature discuss beets in the context of supporting liver function, blood health, and providing antioxidants, rather than targeting the hormonal or neurochemical imbalances thought to underlie PMS. While some women may feel subjectively better when including beets in their diet, this is likely due to improved overall nutrition rather than any specific action on PMS symptoms. Overall, the use of beet for PMS is best classified as "traditional" with minimal direct supporting evidence, and it should not be considered a primary or evidence-based treatment for PMS at this time.

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