Beta vulgaris, commonly called red beet or beetroot, is a common garden vegetable with an edible root and leaves. Beets are beneficial for their nutritional value, and they also have traditional medicinal uses. Clinical evidence is lacking for most of these uses, although some research indicates that beet juice can lower blood pressure, according to Drugs.com. Because high blood pressure is a serious condition, consult with a physician before attempting to lower your blood pressure with beet juice.
Beet Components
Beet leaves contain calcium, iron and phosphorous, as well as vitamins A and C, and some B vitamins, according to Drugs.com. Beet roots have these same components, along with magnesium, manganese, potassium and zinc. Beet roots also contain nitrates and chemical compounds called betacyanins that have antioxidant activity. Antioxidants neutralize and eliminate free radicals, which are waste products in the body that can cause cell damage and lead to disease.
Expert Insight
Diets rich in fruits and vegetables decrease blood pressure and the risk of negative cardiovascular episodes, according to an article published in the March 2008 issue of Hypertension. This article describes a study in which blood pressure significantly decreased in healthy volunteers approximately three hours after drinking 500 ml of beetroot juice, which the authors call a dietary nitrate load. Nitrate medications relax blood vessels and are prescribed for treating angina and other heart problems.
Other Uses
Beets have traditionally been used for treatment of digestive problems, anticancer effects and hemostatic properties, meaning beet root may be able to stop bleeding. Clinical studies are lacking to support these uses, according to Drugs.com, but evidence does show a potential use for cardiovascular conditions because of the nitrate and antioxidant content. In addition to these benefits, the nitrates in beet juice can boost stamina, increase endurance and make exercise less tiring by decreasing the amount of oxygen the body needs, according to Ray Sahelian, a physician who specializes in natural supplements. Sahelian notes that some people consider beet juice an aphrodisiac.
Caution
Beet juice is generally not associated with side effects. Some people experience a harmless red urine discoloration after eating beets or drinking beet juice. People with hemochromatosis and Wilson disease should not consume excessive amounts of beet juice, because iron can build up in these individuals, which can be toxic.
Usage
Research is limited on recommended dosages of beet juice. The 500 ml dosage given to healthy participants in the Hypertension study most likely contains about 360 mg of the component betanin, one of the betacyanins. Beet juice is available at health food stores, or you can make your own by juicing beet roots.
