Chapter 2: Beets and Blood Pressure

One of the most interesting areas of beet research involves blood pressure.

The body can convert dietary nitrate into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps blood vessels relax, which can improve blood flow and potentially reduce blood pressure.

Several studies have investigated beetroot juice and blood-pressure measurements, with some finding modest reductions, particularly in systolic blood pressure.

This is one reason beetroot juice has become popular among athletes and people interested in cardiovascular health.

However, there is an important distinction between supporting healthy blood pressure and treating hypertension.

If someone has high blood pressure, eating beets should not replace prescribed medication, regular monitoring, exercise, or medical care.

Instead, beets can be one component of a heart-friendly dietary pattern.

A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and other minimally processed foods generally provides a much broader range of cardiovascular benefits than relying on a single “superfood.”

For people who already have naturally low blood pressure or take blood-pressure medication, consuming large amounts of concentrated beetroot juice may warrant a conversation with a healthcare professional.

Chapter 3: What Beets Can Do for Digestion

Another major benefit of whole beets is their fiber content.