How stable are nitrates in beets when subjected to cooking?

Relatively stable, though processing causes variation

The preparation method utilized for beets can certainly influence their overall nutritional content. When considering the key component—dietary nitrates—it is important to note that these compounds exhibit a fair degree of stability even when subjected to heat. While cooking beets will generally lead to some reduction in overall nutritional value, the nitrates themselves are relatively resilient to the process. However, the specific method of processing, whether boiling, roasting, or juicing, can introduce variation in the final nitrate concentration retained. For achieving the most potent nitric oxide benefits, consuming them close to their raw state or using freshly prepared juice is often recommended, although even cooked preparations like roasted beets will still deliver substantial, measurable benefits.