Beets: 10 Benefits of Beets
Beets Benefit #7: Heart Healthy
Beets contain an array of heart protective, cholesterol lowering properties that support cardiovascular health. Each of these components alone support a healthy heart, however a combination of the antioxidants, fiber and naturally occurring nitrates that are found within beets make them a powerful army against heart disease.
High in dietary fiber, beets can aid in lowering cholesterol levels and promoting normal digestion. When converted into nitric oxide, dietary nitrates found in beets improve cellular respiration and widen blood vessels increasing blood circulation to the heart and other vital organs. Beets also contain the chemical compound betaine in high amounts. Betaine is involved in the clearance of homocysteine in the blood. Elevated levels of homocysteine have been closely associated with increased risk of strokes and coronary artery disease.
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