Professor Tim Spector has pointed out a simple root vegetable which he says can cut inflammation and high blood pressure. Not only that, but he said it also boasted a ‘large number of polyphenols’ including unique betaine pigments, and nutrients like vitamin C, folate, potassium, and fibre.
Prof Spector, the author of Food for Life and co-founder of the Zoe health app, was discussing the health benefits of beetroot. He said the Romans often swore by its aphrodisiac properties.
And while the professor of epidemiology at King’s College London said there was no evidence to suggest it was the ‘food of love’, he did say it was a food for good health.
Prof Spector said: “They have lots of good health properties. They contain a defence chemical polyphenol called betane, which is quite unique and is really good for inflammation, and they contain the precursors of nitric oxide, which is a gas which is important for the change in our blood vessels.
“Beetroots contain a large number of polyphenols including unique betaine pigments, and nutrients like vitamin C, folate, potassium, and fiber—but their rumoured aphrodisiac connection is likely related to their high levels of inorganic nitrates. These inorganic nitrates are converted into nitric oxide, a very important signalling molecule that helps relax and widen blood vessels, improving circulation and oxygen flow.
“Further studies have shown how eating beetroot could also reduce blood pressure by around three per cent. So while they may not be a guaranteed aphrodisiac, beets do support circulation, endurance, and heart health.”
“Beets have long been linked to romance,” continued Prof Spector. “The Romans decorated the walls of Pompeii’s brothels with beetroot frescoes and in Greek mythology, Aphrodite was said to eat beets to enhance her allure.
“While there’s no hard data (sorry!) to support their effect on sexual performance, over 75 studies have shown that beetroot juice improves sports performance in healthy adults and athletes.”
A study back in 2015, performed in conjunction with the British Heart Foundation, showed that drinking a cup of beetroot juice each day could significantly lower the blood pressure of people with high blood pressure. The research, performedQueen Mary University of London, concluded that high blood pressure patients who drank 250ml of beetroot juice a day were found to have blood pressure levels back in the ‘normal’ range by the end of the study.
The study, involving 64 volunteers, said the level of reduction was similar to that from some forms of blood pressure medication. If not treated, high blood pressurecan increase your risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure kidney disease, and vascular dementia.