Also called beetroot and scientifically known as Beta vulgaris, beets are root vegetables from the Middle East but are eaten worldwide. These vibrant vegetables also have health benefits like blood pressure improvement and antioxidant properties. Read on to learn more.
1) Improve Blood Pressure
Beets are rich in nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide.ทางเข้า UFABET Nitric oxide is a compound that relaxes and dilates blood vessels, turning them into superhighways for nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood. That means better circulation and possibly lower blood pressure.
One review found that, for individuals with hypertension, nitrates in beetroot juice lowered systolic blood pressure. The top number of a blood pressure reading that refers to artery pressure during heartbeats.
2) May Reduce Heart Disease Risk
Beets don’t just have a potentially positive impact on your blood pressure. They are also rich in a plant-based amino acid called betaine.
Betaine helps lower blood levels of homocysteine, a chemical your body uses to produce proteins. In high levels, homocysteine increases your risk for heart disease.
3) May Improve Stamina
Beets can potentially improve your exercise performance. Research has suggested that nitrates boost endurance performance, and one review found that nitrate supplementation was helpful for increased:
- Distance traveled
- Power output
- Time to exhaustion
4) Help With Liver Detoxification
Your liver does the heavy work of cleaning your blood and “detoxing” your body. You can lighten its load with servings of beets.
Research has shown that betaine has a liver-protecting effect in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. A comprehensive review also found evidence of betaine’s ability to protect against liver-related and other diseases, among many other benefits.
5) Have Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Beets are also rich in betalains. Betalains are a class of potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that battle free radical- and inflammation-related chronic diseases like heart disease, obesity, and possibly cancer.