Beet cardiovascular disease

Nutritional nitrates found in beetroot juice improve exercise capacity in heart failure patients.

In a recent double-blinded placebo-controlled crossover study, eight patients were randomised to consume 140 ml of concentrated beetroot juice, containing either a standardised amount of dietary nitrates or devoid of nitrates, prior to monitored exercise.

Study outcomes demonstrated that consuming dietary nitrates (a source of nitric acid) increased overall duration, peak power and peak oxygen intake during exercise.

Positive results of this study were not associated with patients exercising harder, supporting the clinical benefits in patients experiencing compromised cardiovascular health.

One of my most favourite juices is half a beetroot, three carrots, two stalks of celery and a bunch
of parsley.

You can feel the goodness and benefits with the first sip.

But remember the golden rule . . . do not gulp your juices, sip slowly as there are a lot of nutrients parcelled up in that glass.

Relish every drop.