
Expert opinion from Mantwa Radebe
Master of Science (MSc) In Nutrition · 12 years of experience · South Africa
Beets contains nitrates which is converted into nitric oxide in the body. The nitric oxide helps to relax blood vessels and dilates them allowing blood to flow without pressure. So beets are beneficial in lowering blood pressure. This should not replace medication for high blood pressure, and portion size should be considered.
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Expert opinion from Jacomie Nel
Master of Science (MSc), Dietetics/Dietitian · 7 years of experience · South Africa
Yes, beet may lower blood pressure (BP) as it is high in nitrate. A study by Kapil et al (2014) investigated the effect of dietary nitrate on blood pressure by giving participants 250 ml beetroot juice daily for four weeks versus placebo (250 mL daily, as nitrate-free beetroot juice). The study found that daily supplementation with nitrate from beetroot was associated with reduction in BP measured by 3 different methods. The mean reduction in clinic BP was 7.7/2.4 mm Hg. The endothelial function of participants also improved by ≈20% (P<0.001), and arterial stiffness was reduced by 0.59 m/s (0.24–0.93; P<0.01) after dietary nitrate consumption with no change after placebo group
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Expert opinion from Iyanuoluwa Oyetunji
Master of Science in Medicine, specialization in Human Nutrition · 2 years of experience · South Africa
Beets as well as some green leafy vegetables contains nitrates which may be involved in a complex process possibly resulting in a lower blood pressure. The body converts nitrates from these vegetables to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide has the ability to dilate blood vessels which allows blood to flow more freely, with less pressure.
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