Beets: 10 Benefits of Beets
Beets Benefit #9: Improved Blood Circulation
When nitrates are consumed, they go through a series of chemical reactions and are eventually converted into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide improves cellular respiration, increasing blood circulation, improving high blood pressure and peripheral artery disease. Additionally, research shows that nitrates are endurance boosters. One study showed that beet juice combine with apple juice prior to exercise led to lower resting blood pressure and overall better endurance in athletes.
Red beets are very high in nitrates, with over 250 mg in approximately 3.5 cups of raw beets. Although there has been some controversy regarding nitrates recently, there is still a need for additional research on dietary nitrates. However, the World Health Organization has set the Acceptable Daily Intake of nitrates from 0-3.7 mg/kg of body weight.
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