Supports Brain Health
As people age, their cognitive and mental functions decline naturally. When this happens, the risk of neurodegenerative disorders, such as dementia, increases. Beets are rich in nitrates that potentially improve brain function. Those nitrates promote the dilation of blood vessels, adequately increasing the flow of blood to the brain, particularly to the front lobe. This area of the brain is linked to a higher level of thinking, including the person’s working memory and decision-making.
One study showed that people with type 2 diabetes who took 250 ml or 8.5 ounces of beet juice every day for 14 days increased their reaction time by four percent during a test in cognitive function. So, again, the nitrates in beets contribute to improving brain function, which is vital, particularly for the aging population.
Who would not want to remain younger a little bit longer? A study in 2017 revealed that male test subjects in the mid-60s who exercised and consumed beet juice enhanced their brain networks, making them comparable to the brains of young adults. It only goes to show that people have an option to make their brains stay sharp and flexible despite growing older.
