Doctor says 50p superfood 'lowers cholesterol and boosts heart health'
A doctor has revealed how a 50p superfood can help lower cholesterol and improve heart health. Millions of people across the UK continue to struggle with high blood pressure, a condition that significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health complications.
According to the British Heart Foundation, more than 12.5 million adults in the UK are currently living with high blood pressure. While many rely on prescription medications such as ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers to manage their condition, experts say that changing your diet and losing weight can play a crucial role in reducing blood pressure naturally. And one surprising yet powerful ally in this fight? Beetroot.
The power of beetroot
Beetroot, long regarded as a simple root vegetable, is now being hailed as a superfood with significant benefits for heart health. Research shows that beetroot is rich in nitrates, compounds that help dilate and relax blood vessels, allowing for smoother blood flow and, in turn, lowering blood pressure.
"Beetroot is an underrated powerhouse when it comes to heart health," said Professor Franklin Joseph, a nutrition expert at Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic.
"Its high nitrate content can lower blood pressure significantly - sometimes by as much as 4mmHg to 10 mmHg within hours of consumption. And it's a natural, inexpensive option."
Prof Joseph advises that even drinking beetroot juice daily can have a dramatic effect, helping people manage their blood pressure levels without the need for drastic measures. "Adding beetroot to your diet, whether in juice form, salads, or as a side dish, is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to keep your blood pressure in check,” he said.
Medication and the role of diet
While medication remains a key treatment for those with high blood pressure, experts agree that lifestyle changes, particularly weight loss and dietary adjustments, are equally important. Losing just one kilogramme of body weight can reduce systolic blood pressure by around 1 mmHg.
"We often forget the critical role of diet," Prof Joseph said. "Incorporating superfoods like beetroot into your meals can have profound effects. Alongside beetroot, other beneficial foods include garlic, leafy greens like spinach, and fatty fish like salmon, all of which provide nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids that naturally help regulate blood pressure."
A path to natural health
High blood pressure is often referred to as the "silent killer" due to its lack of symptoms, which makes early intervention key. Prof Joseph emphasises that small, consistent changes to your diet and weight can have significant long-term effects.
"People don’t need to overhaul their lives overnight," he explained. "Start with small steps, like replacing processed foods with nutrient-rich options. If you enjoy snacking, try adding a few slices of beetroot to your meals, or blending it into a smoothie."
As more people turn to natural ways to manage blood pressure, beetroot is emerging as an affordable and accessible solution - and you can pick up a pack at supermarkets such as Sainsbury's for just 50p.
"For many, it’s about finding balance - diet, exercise, and, if needed, medication," Prof Joseph said. "But we're increasingly seeing that food can be medicine, too. Superfoods like beetroot are a great example of that."