Beetroot for Blood Pressure

 

Along with vitamins and antioxidants, beetroot contains nitrates which convert to nitric oxide in the body, which relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.  Studies have shown that people who drink 250 ml of beet juice a day for 6 months have significant improvement in blood pressure levels, although it can start having an effect after only 3 hours.  Even people who take less than 250 ml per day have improvement.   According to the National Library of Medicine, the results of a study were as follows: "In conclusion, BRJ (beet root juice) supplementation might be an easy, accessible, safe, and evidence-based strategy to reduce blood pressure."  There are so many studies showing the effectiveness of beet root for vascular health, in fact, its amazing.

It also contains folates which are good for heart health.  The British Heart Foundation has an article about the benefits of beetroot juice for heart patients.  Beets in raw form are best, and for vascular health drinking beet juice is what is generally recommended as it has a more substantial effect.  

Beetroot has anti inflammatory properties (the pigment has betalains), and also helps with digestion as it contains fiber.  

You can get organic beet root powder at your local health food store or online.