Beets have a little of a lot and the combination of the vitamins and minerals contained in this root vegetable pack a powerful punch. One of the beet benefits can be lower blood pressure. This is particularly important for those over the age of 50 and anyone who has chronic high blood pressure. Beets are considered one of the heart healthy foods. There are studies showing beetroot juice could significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This vegetable has a high concentration of nitrates. Your body converts nitrates into nitric oxide (is a molecule that dilates blood vessels). The expansion of your blood vessels allows blood to flow without putting so much pressure on the heart to pump the blood. Other benefits listed are brain health, digestive health and the lowering of inflammation. You can’t go wrong with beets unless you are prone to kidney stones then you need to be careful how much of this super food you consume.
Resources:
Verywell Health
This Root Vegetable Helps with Blood Pressure and Inflammation, According to a Dietician, Lauren Panoff, MPH, RD, Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Barnes, RDN, June 11, 2024
https://www.verywellhealth.com/benefits-of-beets-8656724
Cleveland Clinic, Health Essentials
5 Health Benefits of Beets, Diet, Food & Fitness / Nutrition, August 19, 2022
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-health-benefits-of-beets
Healthline
Everything to Know About The Health Benefits of Beets, Daisy Coyle, APD, Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD. Medically reviewed by Jerlyn Jones, MS, MPA, RDN LD CLT, June 5, 2023
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-beets#nutrients-and-calories
Forbes Health
5 Expert-Backed Health Benefits of Beets, Sarah Glinski, Expert reviewed Carolyn O’Neil, M.S., R.D.N., December 5, 2023
https://www.forbes.com/health/nutrition/benefits-of-beets