A widely available vegetable sold in British supermarkets can help reduce high blood pressure, according to a cardiologist. Beetroot contains nitrates that, when consumed, are converted into nitric oxide, a natural vasodilator that helps dilate blood vessels.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is common, particularly in older adults, and can lead to serious problems such as heart attacks or strokes, the NHS website explains. It adds that there are usually no symptoms, so people may not realise they have it. However, symptoms can include headaches, blurred vision and chest pain.
How Beetroot Lowers Blood Pressure
Dr Annapoorna Kini, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York, told TODAY.com that beetroot is effective at helping to reduce blood pressure. She highlighted the importance of the nitrates it contains.
“It works on the (blood) vessel wall — dilates the smooth muscle of the vessel wall. That way, your vessel remains pliable,” she explained. This matters because blood vessels develop build-ups of bone-like plaque with age, and this hardening contributes to developing high blood pressure.
Buying and Using Beetroot
Beetroot can be incorporated into the diet by juicing the vegetable or cooking it and adding it as an ingredient to meals. Raw organic beetroot is available at Tesco, which sells a 450g pack for £2.20.
Non-organic, pre-cooked beetroot, which has slightly fewer nutrients, is generally much cheaper. Tesco offers a 500g pack for 90p, while Aldi has one for 66p. It is not suitable for anyone with an allergy to any of the ingredients, and a varied diet is needed to get all the nutrients required.
Diagnosis and Lifestyle Changes
The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked, the NHS website says. If diagnosed, lifestyle changes can help, such as cutting out smoking and reducing alcohol and salt intake.
There are also various medications for high blood pressure that a GP may prescribe depending on medical circumstances. More information is available on the NHS website.
