Over time, it damages blood vessels and organs, potentially leading to severe health problems.
Regular GP appointments are crucial if you’re at risk of high blood pressure, as various medications can help manage the condition. That said, dietary modifications and physical activity can also prove highly beneficial.
According to Dr Annapoorna Kini, a cardiologist at the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York, one particular vegetable can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Speaking to TODAY.com, Dr Kini said: “If you really want to know what decreases blood pressure, it is beet – beet root. It works on the (blood) vessel wall – dilates the smooth muscle of the vessel wall. That way, your vessel remains pliable.”
As people grow older, blood vessels become increasingly rigid and plaque starts accumulating in the arteries. When arteries stiffen, individuals may develop high blood pressure.
What are the risks of high blood pressure?
According to the NHS, high blood pressure can result in several complications. They are:
Heart attacks and heart disease.
How can I lower my risk of high blood pressure?
Registered dietician Natalie Rizzo advocates nitric oxide as an effective means of reducing the risk. She described it as a “potent vasodilator that opens the blood vessels and promotes blood flow throughout the body”.
As Dr Kini noted, beetroot is a vegetable particularly rich in nitrates. When incorporated into your diet, the body converts these nitrates into nitric oxide, which in turn can help lower blood pressure.
Consuming the tops of beetroots can further amplify this effect. She recommends cooking the greens with olive oil, a little garlic and a pinch of salt.
They make a wonderful addition to soups, salads, or casseroles.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
