"Beet" The High Blood Pressure: All About Beetroot

Vegetables high in nitrates, such spinach, beets, and arugula, reduce blood pressure. This was written by Maastricht UMC+ researchers and published in the scholarly journal Journal of Nutrition. Healthy subjects who drank beverages made with the aforementioned veggies tended to have higher blood levels of nitrate and nitrite. The consequence was a decrease in blood pressure. When dissolved in water, nitrate salt, a nutritional supplement, did not seem to have this impact.

Furthermore, according to a 2015 investigation by scientists at Queen Mary University of London, individuals who consumed a daily 250 ml glass of beet juice saw an average drop in blood pressure of roughly 8/4 mmHg (which for many patients brought their blood pressure levels back into the "normal" range).

In comparison to the reduction from beetroot juice, a single anti-hypertensive medicine typically reduces blood pressure by 9/5 mmHg.

In light of these findings, dietary nitrate may have a place as an easy, economical, and effective alternative to medication for controlling blood pressure.

Vegetable Juices

Two leafy greens that are even higher in nitrates than beetroot are arugula and spinach. For this reason, drinks comprising all of these veggies were given to a number of healthy volunteers. These drinks contained 0.8 grams of nitrate, which is roughly the level advised for athletes. This is equivalent to around 200 grams of arugula or 350 grams of spinach when converted. This was contrasted with beverages made from concentrated beetroot and sodium nitrate dissolved in water, both of which contained 0.8 grams of nitrate. All four drinks caused a slight increase in blood nitrate and nitrite levels, however only the three vegetables also lowered blood pressure. Water containing dissolved sodium nitrate showed almost little reducing effect on blood pressure.

Ideal Composition

Almost all veggies, in theory, contain some nitrate, but green leafy vegetables, like lettuce and spinach, are particularly high in the compound, according to lead researcher Dr. Lex Verdijk. "It may not be necessary to take a supplement if you want to consume more nitrate, for instance if you have high blood pressure. It appears that vegetables' composition, which also includes vitamins, fiber, and other ingredients, can support nitrate's beneficial effects. Perhaps in the future, we'll discover the perfect blend for a nitrate-rich beverage based on, say, spinach or arugula."

All About Beetroot

The vegetable known as beetroot (Beta Vulgaris), also known as the table beet, garden beet, red beet, dinner beet, or golden beet, is the taproot section of the beet plant. Beets are more often known in North America as beets.

Beetroots are a wonderful source of fiber, folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. They are also packed with key nutrients.

Many healthy plant components, including betanin (beetroot red), vulgaxanthin, and inorganic nitrates, are abundant in beetroots.

Beetroot (Beta Vulgaris), which is naturally rich in organic nitrates, can enhance nitric oxide production, lower blood pressure, increase oxygen transport to working muscles, and boost athletic performance.

One study showed that giving arthritis patients beetroot extract capsules reduced inflammation. According to a different study, beet supplements plus physical activity enhance brain health and cognition. It has been demonstrated that beetroot extracts slow the growth of breast cancer cells and decrease the formation of prostate cancer cells.

Nitrates may enhance physical performance, particularly when engaged in intense endurance activity, based on a number of studies.

Supplementing with beetroot reduces daily systolic blood pressure in older, overweight individuals. Beet supplements are actually safe to take and rarely have bad side effects, so using them can't hurt, aside from the blood pressure issues.

The following are some nutritional details regarding beets: 5 grams of carbs are present per 100 grams of beetroot. A small sample of the numerous vitamins and minerals present in beetroot includes calcium, iron, magnesium, salt, potassium, and zinc.

Benefits of Beetroot

Minimal in calories yet packed with nutrients. In fact, they have some of practically every vitamin and mineral the body needs.

Using Beetroot to Recover. According to a study, continuous beetroot juice intake improves performance in soccer players during the recovery phase and reduces reported muscle pain after training.

Beets for Cardiovascular Health. Beetroot supplementation has been shown to possess reno-protective effects and has been shown in human trials to lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, suppress platelet aggregation, enhance vascular and endothelial function, lower blood glucose levels, and improve insulin homeostasis.

Beetroot for Mental Health. According to a study, dietary nitrate may help older individuals' regional brain perfusion in key regions of the brain believed to be involved in executive function.

Helps to Lower Blood Pressure. Nitrates, which are abundantly found in beets and may actually reduce blood pressure. As a result, the likelihood of developing heart disease and stroke may be reduced.

Improvements in Athletic Performance. By boosting oxygen consumption and endurance, beetroot powder may enhance athletic performance. Take it two to three hours before workout or a competition to optimize its efficacy.

Strengthens Mental Acuity. Nitrates, which are present in beets, may boost cognitive function by stimulating blood flow to the brain.

Rich In Minerals and Vitamins. High levels of vitamin C, folate, magnesium, potassium, iron, and zinc can be found in beetroot powder.

Science Facts on Beetroot

Beetroot for Recovery. According to a study, continuous beetroot juice intake improves performance in soccer players during the recovery phase and reduces reported muscle pain after training.

Beetroot for Sports Performance. While not always, beetroot may be ergogenic when used in conjunction with repeated short bursts of high-intensity exercise and swift recovery times.

Beetroot for Cardio Health. Beetroot supplementation has been shown in human trials to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, suppress platelet aggregation, enhance vascular and endothelial function, lower blood glucose levels, improve insulin homeostasis, and have reno-protective characteristics.

Beetroot for Mental Health. According to a study, dietary nitrate may be helpful in enhancing regional brain perfusion in older persons in key brain regions known to be involved in executive functioning.

Daily beetroot consumption has not yet been linked to any health problems, however it may not be ideal for everyone. So please consult your physician before taking any health supplements.

You can also lower your blood pressure risk with tried-and-true techniques like:

reducing the quantity of salt you use to season your food (no more than 6g a day)
consuming lots of fruits and vegetables
controlling your alcohol intake
keeping a healthy weight by exercising frequently

The Inspirer,
Dr. Lilian O. Ebuoma