If you want a healthy heart, go for the beets. This beetroot smoothie is loaded with beneficial vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Not only that, but it contains a special nutrient called nitrate.
Nitrate gets converted by the body into nitric oxide, which helps improve blood flow throughout the body by opening up the vessels and allowing for more oxygen flow (thus, lowering blood pressure). The ability of beets to lower blood pressure has been documented in a variety of different studies. There are numerous studies that show how beetroot juice significantly reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Several reviews have even discussed beetroot’s anti-hypertensive potential.
Nitrate isn’t the only constituent of beetroot that improves the health of our body. It also contains a variety of different phytochemicals like ascorbic acid, carotenoids, phenolic acid and flavonoids. It is one of the few vegetables that contain a highly bioactive pigment called betalain, which has high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. For this reason, beets have been implemented in the reduction of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in diseases of the liver, arthritis and cancer.
Try to use organic ingredients for this juice. Drink it every day if you are suffering from blood-related issues, or drink it every second or third day to help maintain heart health.
Beetroot Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients: (serves 1)
– 2 large beets, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup packed kale
– 2 apples
– 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 cup strawberries
– 1 inch fresh ginger root
Method:
Stick all of the above ingredients in a high-speed blender, and blend until smooth. Alternatively, this could be made into a juice. Enjoy!
Could bottled beet juice used instead of beets? If so, how much juice should we used?
Thank you.
You could, but fresh will always be better. Aim for about 1/2-1 cup.