Beetroot, also known as beets, is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that has been gaining popularity for its potential health benefits, particularly for heart health. Beets are rich in nitrates, which can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease. In this article, we will explore the power of beetroot for better heart health and provide tips for incorporating it into your diet.
Benefits of Beetroot for Heart Health
- Lower Blood Pressure
Beetroot is rich in nitrates, which are converted into nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide helps to dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. Several studies have found that drinking beetroot juice or consuming beetroot supplements can lower blood pressure in both healthy individuals and those with hypertension.
- Improved Blood Flow
The nitrates in beetroot can also improve blood flow to the heart, reducing the risk of heart disease. Improved blood flow can also help to reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke.
- Reduced Inflammation
Beetroot is also rich in antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for heart disease, and reducing inflammation can help to improve heart health.
- Lower Cholesterol
Beetroot can also help to lower cholesterol levels, which is another risk factor for heart disease. Several studies have found that consuming beetroot can lower levels of LDL cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol, while increasing levels of HDL cholesterol, also known as "good" cholesterol.
Tips for Incorporating Beetroot into Your Diet
- Raw Beetroot
Raw beetroot can be grated or sliced and added to salads or sandwiches. It can also be juiced for a refreshing drink.
- Roasted Beetroot
Roasted beetroot is a delicious and easy way to incorporate beets into your diet. Simply roast beets in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil and your favorite seasonings.
- Beetroot Powder
Beetroot powder can be added to smoothies or mixed with water for a quick and easy way to get the benefits of beets.
- Beetroot Supplements
Beetroot supplements are available in pill form for those who want to take advantage of the benefits of beets without consuming them in food.
Beetroot is a powerful superfood that can improve heart health through lower blood pressure, improved blood flow, reduced inflammation, and lower cholesterol levels. Incorporating beetroot into your diet can be easy and delicious, whether you choose to eat it raw, roasted, in powder form, or through supplements.
Sources:
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Hobbs, D. A., George, T. W., Lovegrove, J. A., & Methven, L. (2013). Beetroot juice and exercise: pharmacodynamic and dose–response relationships. Journal of nutrition and metabolism, 2013.
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Kapil, V., Khambata, R. S., Robertson, A., Caulfield, M. J., & Ahluwalia, A. (2015). Dietary nitrate provides sustained blood pressure lowering in hypertensive patients: a randomized, phase 2, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Hypertension, 65(2), 320-327.
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Miller, G. D., Marsh, A. P., Dove, R. W., Beavers, K. M., Presley, T., Helms, C., ... & Kim-Shapiro, D. (2013). Plasma nitrate and nitrite are increased by a high-nitrate supplement but not by high-nitrate foods in older adults. Nutrition research, 33(3), 220-228.