Keeps Blood Pressure in Check
As mentioned earlier, beets have high nitrate content, which turns into nitric oxide upon entering the body. This specific enzyme causes the blood vessels to dilate and relax, which lowers blood pressure. Dilated blood vessels allow the easier distribution of blood rich in oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Thus, blood pressure is lower because blood circulation improves.
A study in 2019 found that although red beet juice lowers blood pressure, medical experts caution against drinking the juice because it is high in sugar. Instead, they recommend eating beets.
Aside from the positive impact of beets on blood pressure, it is also rich in folate and betaine. Scientists say that betaine can lower the levels of homocysteine, an amino acid linked to stroke and heart disease. In a 2013 article, betaine interacts with folate to lower the blood levels of homocysteine, a chemical that can heighten the possibility of heart damage and artery disease.
Beets have been studied extensively for their ability to lower high blood pressure levels, which can lead to heart disease. However, other studies showed that high levels of homocysteine could cause the hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis).
