A Cup of Beet Juice a Day May Keep the Doctor Away

Researchers say drinking 8 ounces (250 ml) of beet juice can reduce high blood pressure by 10mm of mercury within hours. Nitrate drugs are used in the treatment of angina pectoris—chest pain resulting from insufficient blood supply to the heart—and the nitrate that is naturally present in beets is likely responsible for the edible root's blood pressure-lowering power. It remains to be seen if regular consumption of nitrate-rich produce like beets improves long-term cardiovascular health. More...