High blood pressure symptoms: Eating this root veg could lower bp
High blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension, is a common health concern.
In Britain, it affects one in four adults – and plenty of people are completely unaware they are battling the condition.
As it is a very prevalent health concern, scientists have been exploring way that bp can be lowered.
This may help to alleviate symptoms and cut the risk of heart attack and stroke.
According to several studies, consuming beetroot could help to lower bp.
The purple vegetable reduces hypertension by helping the blood flow more easily.
It is also a source of key nutrients like folate, potassium and vitamin C.
Research from Queen Mary University of London tracked how the vegetable juice affected 64 volunteers.
The findings, published in research journal Hypertension, saw that beetroot had a positive effect on participants.
Researchers asked nine volunteers with systolic blood pressure about 130mm toeat two whole beetroots every day.
The small study found that participants who ate the veg saw a reduction in bp.
Following the experiment, the BBC concluded: “For beetroot, the active ingredient is nitrate – present in both the leaves and the root.
“When we eat beetroot, bacteria that live in the mouth turn the nitrate in the beetroot into nitrite and this in turn is thought to get changed into nitric oxide which causes the blood vessels to dilate – lowering our blood pressure.”
While research into the effects of beetroot are promising, they shouldn’t be relied on by patients with high bp.
As research is still in its infancy, patients with hypertension should make more healthy changes to their diets.
The NHS advises Brits to reduce the amount of salt they are consuming, as this raises bp.
As well as this, patients are warned to follow a balanced diet and only drink alcohol in moderation.
Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and giving up smoking can also help to lower your blood pressure.
If you have concerns about your bp, it’s advisable to consult your doctor.
Learning the warning signs of hypertension is also recommended.
- High blood pressure
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