Beetroot juice has high levels of nitrates which can increase blood flow to the brain and other parts of the body, helping to control high blood pressure. However, it should be mixed with other juices as it can cause temporary paralysis of the vocal cords, increase heart rate, or cause hives or chills and fever.
Beetroot juice is a rich red vegetable juice made by pressing or grinding beets. As with other types of vegetable juices, many health benefits are attributed to this juice, though it also comes with some caveats. Studies have shown that it can increase blood flow to the brain and other parts of the body. Beetroot juice can be made fresh or purchased commercially at many different stores.
Beetroot juice has been found to contain high levels of nitrates. When a person eats nitrates, bacteria in the mouth convert the nitrates into nitrites, which have been found to help open blood vessels. This results in increased blood flow throughout the body and brings oxygen to areas that would otherwise be deficient. Studies of other foods have found that kale, celery, spinach and other leafy greens contain nitrates and function in a similar way when consumed.
Not only does this juice increase blood flow throughout the body, but drinking it has been shown to help increase blood flow to the brain. Studies involving people over the age of 70 showed a nitrate-rich diet, which included beetroot juice, significantly increased blood flow to the white matter of the frontal lobes of the brain. These are the areas where degeneration associated with cognitive problems such as dementia is often found. This juice also helps control high blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and allowing blood to flow more freely through the body.
Fresh beet juice should be made from fresh, firm beets. They must be cleaned of dirt and debris. Some people use the beets and red root for juicing, while others prefer the root alone. Older, wrinkled or dry beets are not good for juicing and produce very little juice.
Beetroot juice should always be mixed with the juice of other vegetables or with apple juice, as this juice alone can cause several problems. It can cause temporary paralysis of the vocal cords, increase the heart rate, or cause hives or chills and fever. It is high in oxalic acid, so it shouldn’t be mixed with calcium-rich foods, such as broccoli, as the combination creates a difficult-to-digest compound. People who have gout, kidney stones, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or sensitive stomachs should also avoid beetroot juice. For most people, however, beet juice used in moderation is safe and can provide substantial health benefits.
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