High blood pressure affects more than one in four adults in the UK, according to the NHS.
Patients could lower their risk of the condition, which is also known as hypertension, by drinking beetroot juice, it’s been revealed.
The juice contains a high amount of nitrates, which are used by the body to make the gas nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide has a relaxing effect on blood vessel walls, according to nutritionist Dr Sarah Brewer.
A single glass of beetroot everyday could lower blood pressure by an average of 7.7/5.2mmHg, studies have claimed.
“Beetroot juice, or beet juice, is one of the most powerful natural remedies for high blood pressure,” said Brewer, on her website MyLowerBloodPressure.com.
“In fact, beet juice is more effective at lowering a high blood pressure than many prescribed medical treatments.
“While most research has involved beet juice itself, you can obtain a similar amount of nitrates from eating 100g cooked or grated raw beetroot as are found in 250ml beetroot juice.
“Swill the beet juice around your mouth, or chew beetroot thoroughly before swallowing, to maximise the conversion of nitrates to the beneficial nitrites and obtain the optimal benefits for your high blood pressure.
“Beetroot supplements are also available if you don’t like the earthy taste of beet juice.”
Patients that add a daily glass of beetroot juice to their diet could find their urine turns red, the nutritionist added.
While it looks dramatic, it’s completely harmless, so there’s no need to panic.
Drinking beetroot juice may even lower your risk of dementia, scientists have claimed.
The high nitrate consumption was linked to an increased blood flow to the frontal lobes of the brain.
The frontal lobes are associated with behaviour and cognitive thinking, added medical website Healthline.
There’s no way of knowing if someone is at risk of high blood pressure, as there aren’t usually any symptoms.
But, if someone has particularly high blood pressure, they may have chest pain, severe headaches, or find blood in their urine.
Having hypertension increases your risk of some life-threatening conditions, including heart disease, strokes, and heart attacks.
Speak to a GP or pharmacist to have your blood pressure checked.
Every UK adult over 40 years old should check their blood pressure at least every five years.
