Your blood vessels could be pleading for relief, and it’s possible that you aren’t even aware of it. Circulatory problems disturb millions, causing symptoms such as tiredness, chilly limbs, and, of course, poor health. However, there’s a red root vegetable that has the potential to completely change your circulation for the better, and it’s already present inside your local grocery store.
Beetroot’s nitrate content transforms cardiovascular health naturally
Beets pack an incredible nutritional punch that most people completely overlook. The more color a vegetable or fruit has, the more phytonutrients it contains, and beets’ deep crimson shade signals serious health benefits. These root vegetables are loaded with nitrates, compounds that research shows improve cardiovascular health through multiple pathways, including enhanced blood flow and reduced blood pressure.
Contemporary science has proven that the Romans were right when they used beet roots for medicinal purposes several centuries ago, including treating problems such as constipation, poor circulation, fevers, and lack of vigor. The presently existing studies demonstrate that beet root juice supplements can significantly lower blood pressure, improve oxygen intake, and prolong the time to fatigue.
Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents also offer added benefits
Apart from nitrates, beets also contain strong antioxidants that contribute to the repair process of any DNA damage and support healthy cellular function. The antioxidants also act as inflammation reducers, thereby lowering the chances of diseases that cause inflammation, including heart disease.
Nitric oxide production enhances blood vessel function dramatically
‘Till next time, poor circulation goodbye — This deep violet fall vegetable ‘brings home the bacon’ by relaxing your blood vessels because it naturally changes nitrate compounds found in it to nitric oxide when it enters your body, making your blood vessels dilate or widen due to its relaxing properties, causing your arteries to ‘open naturally.’
One study by Penn State scientists found that, while it could not improve blood flow to exercising muscles, it could “de-stiffen” blood vessels at rest, making it easier on the heart’s workload. The research also found that there was a direct relationship between the amount of nitrite present in the blood and the velocity of pulsatile wave along arteries, proving that it worked.
Multiple preparation methods maximize beet consumption benefits
The major concentration has been on the use of beetroot juice, although several methods can be used for its benefits. Beets can be used in various ways, whether it is eaten raw in salads, boiled, baked, converted to chips, or dried, offering health advantages throughout the year. Even beet greens can provide valuable health benefits, given that the vitamins present are E, K, C, and A.
One technique recommended by Catherine Champagne from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center at Louisiana State University is to roast them in olive oil, puree them in yogurt dips, or mix them in coleslaws for added pop and nutrition. She also recommends boiling them along with onions and serving them chilled for a cool, healthy, and delicious side dish.
Both fibers and vitamins contribute to well-being
Boiled beets contain only 0.15 grams of fat in a cup serving, along with 1.7 grams of fiber. They also contain vitamins C, A, and K, which help in maintaining bone health, along with vitamin B, which helps prevent dementia by increasing the flow of blood to the brain.
“You look at a beet and say, ‘What can it do for me?’ They actually have benefits that would surprise you.”
Beets are, in essence, Mother Nature’s cure for poor circulation, and it’s hard to believe that such a simple and effective remedy has been right under our noses the whole time. With its nitrate-rich properties, it’s only natural that the body’s production of nitric oxide increases, thereby dilating the blood vessels and ensuring good heart function without using any medication.
Disclaimer: Our articles on food and nutrition are purely informative and do not constitute medical or dietary advice. We respect the guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration and follow a responsible editorial policy. Consult a healthcare professional or dietitian and remember that no superfood is a substitute for a varied and well-balanced diet.
