An NHS GP and A&E doctor has urged people to try an unusual drink to help them lower their blood pressure.
Taking to TikTok, Dr Sooj (MBBS BSc MRCGP) – also known as @doctorsooj – said not only can it help lower your blood pressure, but it also helps boost your athletic performance. Discussing the effects of the juice, he reveals that everyone should consider having Beetroot juice.
Thankfully though, for those disgusted by the taste, you can add it to other things and still reap the benefits. In his video, he ponders whether beetroots are actually good for you?
He said: “Beetroots are excellent. Dietary nitrate has been proven to lower blood pressure both centrally and peripherally. On top of this, it can also help improve athletic performance.”
According to Harvard Health: “Dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, kale, and romaine lettuce), beets, and celery are rich in nitrates. They also contain vitamin C and other antioxidants that inhibit the reaction that creates harmful N-nitroso compounds. In fact, diets that include nitrate-rich vegetables have been associated with lower rates of cancer, including stomach cancer.”
The doctor continued if you find the taste of beetroot off-putting, there’s something you can do to stop this. He suggests: “If you find the taste of beetroot a bit too earthy, you can also just mix it with a bit of apple or a bit of ginger and even mix it into fruit juices.”
The juice can be bought from a number of local supermarkets with it ranging from around £1.50 from Ocado, £2.70 in Sainsbury’s and £2 ASDA.
NHS high blood pressure warning
The NHS warn that if your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs – including the brain, kidneys and eyes. A persistent high blood pressure can also increase your risk of a number of serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions, such as:
- heart disease
- heart attacks
- strokes
- heart failure
- peripheral arterial disease
- aortic aneurysms
- kidney disease
- vascular dementia
They urge people to seek help if you have high blood pressure. Reducing it by even a small amount can help lower your risk of these health conditions, they say.
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
