Yes, beets are packed with nitrates. In fact, they are one of the best dietary sources of nitrates. A 100-gram serving of raw beets contains about 250 milligrams of nitrate.
Nitrates are naturally occurring compounds found in many plants, including beets, spinach, lettuce, and rocket. When we eat nitrates, our bodies convert them into nitrites, which are then converted into nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide is a powerful signaling molecule that plays a number of important roles in the body, including:
- Dilating blood vessels, which improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure
- Reducing inflammation
- Improving exercise performance
- Protecting against heart disease and stroke
In addition to nitrates, beets are also a good source of other nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Here are some of the health benefits of eating beets:
- Lower blood pressure. Beets have been shown to lower blood pressure in both healthy people and people with high blood pressure.
- Improved exercise performance. Beets can improve exercise performance by increasing blood flow to the muscles and reducing fatigue.
- Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. Beets can help to protect against heart disease and stroke by lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and improving blood vessel function.
- Improved brain health. Beets may help to improve brain health by increasing blood flow to the brain and protecting against neurodegenerative diseases.
- Increased fiber intake. Beets are a good source of fiber, which is important for gut health and digestion.
Beets can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced. They are a versatile vegetable that can be added to salads, smoothies, soups, and stews.
If you are looking for a healthy and nutritious way to boost your nitrate intake, beets are a great option.