How this powerhouse vegetable helps lower blood pressure
MANILA, Philippines – If you are constantly looking for natural ways to help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, then regular consumption of red beets may just be the right answer.
These nutrient-dense root vegetables contain natural dietary nitrates that are known to help relax and widen blood vessels to improve blood flow and thus lower blood pressure. This same dietary nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide, helps improve the delivery of oxygen to the working muscles and enhance endurance in exercise, workout, or any athletic performance. Likewise, the improved blood circulation due to dietary nitrates helps increase blood flow to the brain and boost brain function or cognitive performance as you age.
Packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals, red beets actually help support overall health. Their fiber content alone is capable of supporting digestive health, since a single serving of the root vegetable already provides a significant amount of fiber to add stool bulk, prevent constipation, and feed gut friendly bacteria. Having a good amount of fiber in your diet also lowers your risk of heart disease and supports healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
In addition, red beets contain betalains, which are powerful pigments responsible for the vibrant red color of these root vegetables. These betalains are packed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect cells from damage.
Other nutrients that red beets offer include potassium, magnesium, iron, folate, and Vitamin C. If consumed with their green leaves, the effects of Vitamins A, C and K add benefits to the body.
For all the nutrition they pack in, red beets are incredibly low in calories. This makes them an ideal addition to your daily diet because they will add bulk and strength but not excess weight to your body.
Add to this the fact that red beets are very versatile. You can either eat them raw in salads, juice them, pickle them into a crunchy side dish, or roast or steam them.
But while red beets do a lot of good for the body and daily consumption is recommended for many, the key is to not eat them excessively. Stick to a regular portion. Beets contain oxalates, which may be a concern for those with kidney stones or are prone to them. Excessive consumption may also lead to gout or cause digestive distresses, such as gas, bloating, abdominal cramps, nausea, and either diarrhea or constipation.
The key is to keep a healthy balance with other foods that you eat every day. Take advantage of red beets’ health benefits but protect yourself from any risks they may cause you.
