A type of vegetable that can lower blood pressure and cholesterol

A doctor has identified a particular vegetable that could be a game-changer in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, while also boosting its cancer-fighting potential.

Dr Suraj Kokadia, from the British NHS, revealed that beets can provide “excellent benefits” to our health.

He said on his TikTok account: “It has been proven that dietary nitrates in beets work to lower blood pressure centrally and peripherally. Moreover, they can also help improve athletic performance.”

He explained that our bodies convert these nitrates into nitric oxide, which is the molecule necessary to dilate arteries and lower blood pressure.

Researchers also believe that antioxidants known as betanin, found in beets, may help reduce cholesterol levels. This is crucial to protecting the heart and brain, especially since high cholesterol is linked to an increased risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Betanins can reduce the risk of cancer, because they help destroy unstable molecules in our bodies, which are cancerous in large numbers, according to the Healthline website.

Cocadia recommends combining beets with various juices or other fruits, to help mask the earthy flavor.