Beets are sweet tasting vegetables that are related to spinach. Both the leaves and the roots are edible. They are rich in many nutrients including nitrates, which can significantly help to reduce high blood pressure.
History
Beets have a long history as a hardy vegetable, but according to Texas A&M, for many centuries, only the plant leaves were using in cooking. It was not until the Christian era that people began eating their tasty roots. Until the 18th century, only a couple of varieties were grown. Nowadays, large crops of beets are grown throughout the United States for canning.
Features
Beets are packed with nutrients. According to Juicing for Health, the roots of the plant are rich in vitamins A, C and B vitamins. Beets greens are even higher in iron than spinach or kale. The leaves are also good sources of magnesium, calcium, iron, sodium, copper and phosphorous.
Significance
Juicing for Health,describes a long list of health benefits. Adding beet juice to your diet can increase the body's alkalinity and help reduce acidosis. Its rich iron content can prevent anemia. The amino acid in beets can help prevent several types of cancer. Beets are rich in fiber, which can prevent constipation. The choline content can help to detoxify the liver. It can also help to maintain the elasticity of arteries, which can prevent varicose veins.
Prevention/Solution
According to Amrita Ahluwalia, Professor of Vascular Biology at Queen Mary's William Harvey Research Institute, just 250 ml of beet juice can lower hypertension within 24 hours. She explained that is it the nitrate in beets that reduces hypertension and improves cardiovascular health. It does so by increasing levels of nitric oxide in the blood. This helps blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels and preventing damage by free radicals.
Warning
According to Woman's Passions, (ref. 4), beetroot juice contains chemicals which may be harmful unless they have been exposed to the air. For this reason, it is recommended that you allow your glass of juice to breathe for 10 to 15 minutes before your drink it.
