Beetroot can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels, according to Dr Annapoorna Kini, a cardiologist at the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York. Speaking to TODAY.com, she explained that the vegetable works on the blood vessel wall, dilating the smooth muscle so the vessel remains pliable.
How Beetroot Affects Blood Pressure
Dr Kini said: "If you really want to know what decreases blood pressure, it is beet - beet root. It works on the (blood) vessel wall - dilates the smooth muscle of the vessel wall. That way, your vessel remains pliable."
As people age, blood vessels become increasingly rigid and plaque accumulates in the arteries. When arteries stiffen, individuals may develop high blood pressure.
Risks of Untreated Hypertension
According to the NHS, high blood pressure can result in several complications, including heart attacks and heart disease, strokes, heart failure, kidney disease and failure, aortic aneurysm, vascular dementia and cognitive decline, vision loss, and sexual dysfunction.
Dietary Tips for Lowering Risk
Registered dietician Natalie Rizzo advocates nitric oxide as an effective means of reducing the risk. She described it as a "potent vasodilator that opens the blood vessels and promotes blood flow throughout the body".
Beetroot is particularly rich in nitrates. When incorporated into the diet, the body converts these nitrates into nitric oxide, which can help lower blood pressure. Consuming the tops of beetroots can further amplify this effect. Dr Kini recommends cooking the greens with olive oil, a little garlic, and a pinch of salt, noting they make a wonderful addition to soups, salads, or casseroles.
