Fresh produce, a good blender, and a little know-how are all you need to lower your blood pressure in just a few hours.
A cup of beetroot juice helped people
lower their high blood pressure by 11 points within 6 hours, found a new study. The reason it works so fast: Beets contain dietary nitrate, which your
body converts to a gas that expands blood vessels and aids blood flow. This simple smoothie from nutritionist Dana White, RD, contains a heart-healthy trifecta of nitrate, magnesium, and potassium. —SE
* Find cooked beets in your supermarket’s produce case or salad bar—or roast your own.
Pineapple-Beet Blast
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
Serves 2
½ c sliced cooked beets
1½ c frozen pineapple chunks
¼ c celery leaves
1 c vanilla almond milk
½ c fresh orange juice
Combine all ingredients in blender and puree until smooth.
Divide between 2 chilled glasses. (Makes 3 cups.)
Nutrition (per serving)
153 cal, 2 g pro, 35 g carb, 3 g fiber, 28 g sugars, 1.5 g fat, 0 g sat fat, 110 mg sodium
