Study shows beetroot juice could help heart patients
Beetroot contains nitrate. According to researchers at Kansas State University, when that nitrate is converted into nitric oxide, it dilates the blood vessels, allowing blood to move more freely.
In a new study, they found beetroot concentrate increased blood flow to skeletal muscles by as much as 38 percent during exercise.
Researchers say, it can improve the quality of life for heart failure patients, too.
"In heart failure patients their heart isn't pumping out as much blood, so the blood that it does pump, if these blood vessels can be dilated a little bit further then they're going to get more of the oxygen-rich blood," explained Kate Patton, RD, with Cleveland Clinic.
Researchers say improving a heart failure patient's blood flow by as little as 10 percent can mean the difference between them being wheelchair bound or getting around.
Source: wnyt.com
