A recent study has indicated that nitrates found in vegetables protects blood vessels
Drinking 250ml of diluted beet juice a day reduces blood pressure
That's because beets are loaded with the nutrient nitrate. Spinach, lettuce, and other green, leafy vegetables also have high levels of nitrate.
Here's how it works
Nitrate in the beet juice is converted by bacteria living on the tongue into the chemical nitrite. Once it enters the stomach, it becomes nitric oxide or re-enters the blood stream as nitrite. The researchers found that blood pressure was at its lowest when the nitrite levels in the blood were at their highest.
The nitrites, work by protecting against endothelial dysfunction, which means that blood vessels have trouble expanding or contracting to handle changes in blood flow. They also have anti-platelet properties.
Drinking beetroot juice, or consuming other nitrate-rich vegetables, might be a simple way to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.
Points to remember:
Adding carrot, apple, celery, cucumber or pineapple juices with the beetroot is advisable because of its strong flavor.
Beetroot juice can turn stools and urine red.
It can also temporarily paralyze your vocal chords; make you break out in hives, increase your heart rate, cause chills or a fever if drunk by itself, undiluted.
Pregnant women should not drink beetroot juice without first consulting with their physician.
Battle against rising blood pressure!
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