Blood pressure is a very serious condition that has to be monitored regularly. If you have high blood pressure or there is a history in your family of heart disease, stroke and other diseases associated with it, you may want asses your risk early on. Beets are high in the minerals: potassium, magnesium and calcium- thus making them an essential food for those trying to prevent or manage hypertension naturally.
Blood pressure is measured by two numbers: the top number is the systolic pressure (when the heart is pumping blood) and the bottom number is the diastolic pressure (when the heart is at rest). A normal blood pressure number is below 120/80, prehypertension is diagnosed between 120/80 - 139/89, Stage 1 hypertension is between 140/90 - 159/99, and Stage 2 hypertension is blood pressure above 160/100. ( Source)
Juicing beets combined with positive life style changes will help tremendously. Often times medication is required specially if blood pressure is above 160/100 as mentioned above.
Some of the ways to lower blood pressure naturally include:
~ Reducing STRESS: By practicing yoga, mediation, reiki, leisure walks, or simply enjoying your favorite hobby.
~Maintaining a low heart rate specially during stressful times.
~ Practicing your favorite form of exercise (dancing counts)
~ Earthing at the beach, even in the backyard will do.
~ Removing alcohol completely
~ Removing grains and even gluten from your diet
~Removing all sugars
Additionally, A daily dose of 250ml of beetroot juice or 1 to 2 cooked beetroot (approx. 100g) can help dramatically reduce blood pressure and its associated risks. ( Source)
Benefits of Beet Juice to lower blood pressure
Beets are high in nitrates, which, may reduce blood pressure by improving vasodilation. Other foods high in nitrates include celeriac, Chinese cabbage, endive, fennel, kohlrabi, leek, parsley, celery, cress, chervil, lettuce, spinach, and rocket. (Ironically, bacon is another source of dietary nitrate...)
Beet juice in particular has been shown to lower blood pressure in multiple studies. ( 51, 52) So if you have a juicer, try making some fresh beet juice to drink on a regular basis.
Reduces blood pressure and the risk of heart attacks and strokes
Research has shown that beetroot can help reduce blood pressure as well as its associated risks such as heart attacks and strokes. This is because the high content of nitrates in beetroot produce a gas called nitric oxide in the blood which widens blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. A daily dose of 250ml of beetroot juice or 1 to 2 cooked beetroot (approx. 100g) can help dramatically reduce blood pressure and its associated risks. For more information on heart health, help, facts and lifestyle advice, visit the British Heart Foundation.
Powerful antioxidant properties
Betacyanin, the pigment that gives beetroot its colour, is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants are believed to help reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, in turn protecting artery walls and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Folic acid
Beetroot contains folic acid which is essential for normal tissue growth. Folic acid is crucial to the development of a baby's spinal cord during the first three months of pregnancy and can help prevent spinal cord defects such as spina bifida. Beetroot also contains iron so is a fab pick-me-up for mums-to-be suffering from fatigue during pregnancy. Expectant mums must remember though that cooked beetroot has lower levels of folic acid than raw beetroot. For more information on the importance of folic acid during pregnancy, visit the NHS website. For more information on foods containing folic acid see Bounty's Folic Acid Factfile.
Reduces risk of osteoporosis
Beetroot contains the mineral silica. This helps the body to utilise calcium, which is important for musculo-skeletal health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Part of this article was originally found from www.lovebeetroot.com.uk where you can find more information on the amazing benefits of beets.
Ok now that we got the beets mystery out of the way. Your turn: What is your favorite way to eat beetroot. Juiced, in salads, steamed or roasted? Did you learn something new today? I hope so!
If you enjoyed this post, please share with friends and family who can benefit from preventing or managing blood pressure naturally. Specially if there is a family history or your job has high levels of stress. Remember deep breathing for 10 minutes a day is a great way to relax the arteries and lower stress.
To you best health,
