It is widely known that beetroot is beneficial in liver detoxification and has blood cleansing properties. However, beetroot benefits in the cardiovascular health are little known. The 2016 In-vitro studies (in a test tube, culture dish, or elsewhere outside a living organism) suggest that the formation of antimicrobial nitric oxide (NO) results in a decrease of salivary pH in the mouth thus preventing erosion of tooth enamel.2
Tooth health and gum heath are directly related to the presence of the arterial plaque and level of atherosclerosis. The worse condition of teeth and gum are the greater the risk of cardiovascular conditions.
Researchers have also studied the nitrate (NO3(-)) present in beetroot juice for its effect on the cardiovascular system by converting to nitric oxide (NO)1. Nitric oxide(NO) dilates the blood vessels, thus decreases blood pressure.
A single dose of beetroot juice does not decrease blood pressure. Researchers have concluded that beetroot is a complementary treatment for hypertension because of its high content of inorganic NO3 with medication and/or natural supplements.
What is also promising is that NO in the body after consumption of beetroot juice consumption increases in a similar manner between sexes regardless of body mass.
Beetroot is a really underutilized vegetable. I often encourage my patients to juice fresh beetroot, cook with it, roast it or bake it. Below is my recipe for a beetroot dip.
Beetroot dip ( makes 2 cups)
½ large baked beetroot
Juice of 2 lemons
3 gloves of garlic, crushed
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup tahini
1 tsp.paprika ( optional)
Add all ingredients into a food processor or a blender and blend until smooth. Use as a dip or spread on crackers or bread.
References:
1. Int J Food Sci Nutr2016;67(1):40-6. doi: 10.3109/09637486.2015.1121469. Epub 2015 Dec 13.
2.2016 Nov 30;60:10-15. doi: 10.1016/j.niox.2016.08.006. Epub 2016 Sep 1.
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Danuta Hulajko is a naturopath , holistic practitioner, international speaker, and the founder & practitioner at the DH Natural Medicine Clinic and www.healingremedies.com.au in the Southern Highlands
Danuta specialises in Allergies, Anti-Aging, Auto-Immune Conditions, Cardiovascular Conditions, Female Reproductive, Menopause, Mould Toxicity, Skin Conditions, Stress and Insomnia and Thyroid Dysfunction.
For more information please go to our website. You can also follow Danuta Hulajko’s work, events, seminars, expos, latest health research, her health tips and advice on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
