How Much?
One to two cups of beetroot juice a day have been shown to have a significant effect for lowering blood pressure. Many doctors have been quite surprised by how little was needed to see a benefit for people with high blood pressure. You can juice the beets on your own, which is freshest and cost efficient, or you can spend about $7 for a prepared bottle at the health food store. Because beets are a potent detoxifier, some patients feel best when starting with a lower dose (like a quarter cup) and increase the amount over time.
Please note it is important to not change any prescription blood pressure medication without speaking to your prescribing doctor. Please let your doctor know you are using natural means to lower your blood pressure, which may result in requiring less medication.
Side Effects?
The dark carotenes of beet juice may give your urine and bowel movements a red color. This color change is harmless. Since beets are high in oxalates, people who tend to make oxalate kidney stones may want to avoid beet juice.
Aren’t Nitrates Unhealthy?
Cured foods like hot dogs and bacon are known to be high in nitrites, which are known cancer-causing compounds. Beets, spinach and radishes all have naturally occurring nitrates, which will convert to nitrites during digestion in your body. These naturally occurring versions are not harmful to the body and are very safe when they are eaten with the wonderful natural antioxidants that beets and radishes also provide. The more dangerous nitrites that are added to hot dogs, bacon and cured meats are really the ones to worry about and should be minimized.
In Conclusion…
Treating blood pressure encompasses working on ways to reduce stress, eating healthy food choices, exercising, and getting intake of the proper nutrients.
Beetroot juice can be an excellent addition to a natural regimen designed to help bring blood pressure under control while increasing a person’s stamina and energy.
A Cup Of This A Day…Keeps This Away was originally published on blackdoctor.org
