This Wednesday and Thursday our Naturopath Katie and Nutritionist Sofia are offering 15-minute Health Checks. As a part of these health checks, they are offering Nitric Oxide Tests. As I’ve written previously, nitric oxide is one of our body’s key chemical messengers enabling good blood flow as well as reducing blood pressure. It assists in the circulation of nutrients and oxygen in our body, improves muscle growth and strength. It also helps our nerve cells communicate, improving immunity and heart health and helps reduce erectile dysfunction.

Vegetables such as celery, garlic, and leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, and romaine lettuce) are known to be rich in nitrates. The standout vegetable however is beetroot. This vegetable has been found to be an excellent source of dietary nitrate which is why I thought it appropriate this week to write about beetroot juice or beetroot powder.

Over the years, we have found many customers notice their energy levels increase when supplementing with beetroot powder. Because it contains a high amount of the compound nitrate which assists in expanding the body’s blood vessels and increasing circulation of oxygen to the heart, brain and muscles it is fantastic for anybody undertaking an exercise regime, particularly weight training. Some customers have noticed they have extra endurance plus an overall feeling of well-being when including beetroot powder in their diet.

Interestingly, because of this increase in circulation to the heart and brain, it is believed drinking beetroot juice increases blood flow to the white matter of the frontal lobe of the brain which is the area generally linked to dementia.

The effectiveness of beetroot juice in increasing oxygen flow in the blood vessels has also been thought to be beneficial in lowering blood pressure. It is believed drinking 1 – 2 glasses of beetroot juice a day may help lower blood pressure. Obviously, it is important to monitor your blood pressure when starting out on this regime and advise your doctor of your intentions. It is also advisable to start out on ½ glass per day slowing increasing to the 2 glasses per day.

It has also been known for some time that beetroot contains a phytochemical known as Betaine which stimulates the function of liver cells protecting the liver and bile ducts. Beetroot fibre also accelerates production of the liver’s detoxifying enzymes which means it is a great liver tonic.

It is important to note cooking beetroot will deplete the beneficial nutrients needed to gain the health benefits I have written about. Juicing beetroot or mixing beetroot powder in water, juice or your superfood smoothie will gain the most therapeutic benefits. One teaspoon of beetroot powder is equivalent to one beetroot. You can use 1 – 2 teaspoons of beetroot powder up to four times a day.

For more information on the benefits of beetroot juice or any other health question, call to see Bev and the team at Go Vita, your health shop at 5 North St, Batemans Bay or phone on 0244729737. Don’t forget to tune into Bev on 2EC every Wednesday at 12.45pm.