It’s no secret that the foods you eat can influence your blood pressure. Some foods can increase it to an unhealthy extent, while others can reduce it to safe levels.
Although there are other factors at play, diet can prevent you from needing medication to control your blood pressure.
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Studies have shown that regular consumption of beetroot juice or beetroot powder can lead to a modest reduction in blood pressure.
Maybe the beet may not be at the top of your shopping list, but it is one of the best foods to eat that can help you do just that.
Beets are rich in gut-healthy fiber, antioxidants that protect against cell damage, folic acid, potassium, vitamin C and more.
How can beets help reduce blood pressure?
Beets are exceptionally rich in nitrates, which can be converted into nitric oxide once metabolized in the blood and body tissues.
Nitrates are compounds of nitrogen and oxygen and are abundant in leafy greens and other vegetables.
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Beetroot is the food that most helps reduce blood pressure due to its high nitrate content.
Nitric oxide is a molecule that your body is capable of producing on its own. It is essential for the body because it dilates blood vessels, thus reducing blood pressure.
Studies have shown that whole beets, as well as beet juice, have the ability to significantly reduce high blood pressure levels.
While both are likely to reduce blood pressure levels, some research shows that raw beets may have a greater effect.
What is normal blood pressure?
Normal blood pressure is generally considered to be a systolic pressure (the top number) of less than 120 mmHg and a diastolic pressure (the bottom number) of less than 80 mmHg. This is commonly expressed as “120 over 80”.
However, it is important to recognize that values considered normal may vary slightly according to age, gender and other individual factors.
For example, blood pressure tends to increase with age and may be slightly higher in men than in women of the same age.
