Can Drinking Beetroot Juice Daily Improve Heart Health After Menopause?

“Beetroot is naturally rich in nitrates which play a role in dilating blood vessels, increasing oxygen transport and absorption in the body. Consumption of beetroot helps regulate blood pressure“It is also rich in antioxidants called betalains, which reduce oxidative stress and free radicals generated by inflammation, which affects heart health,” says Vriti Srivastav, a holistic dietitian.

“In addition, beetroot is a source of phytoestrogens, which mimic estrogen. During menopause, estrogen levels drop, potentially leading to hypertension and increased inflammation. Folate in beetroot helps improve mood and produces neurotransmitters that reduce the risk of depression,” Srivastav said.

According to experts, beetroot helps regulate blood pressurereduce stress and reduce inflammation. The minerals improve bone health, which is often compromised during perimenopause and menopause due to low calcium levels.

“Postmenopausal women often experience cardiovascular changes and insulin resistance due to decreased estrogen levels, which affects blood vessel function. Daily consumption of beetroot juice increases nitric oxide levels, which helps maintain blood vessel elasticity and improves blood flow,” said Dr. Biju, Chief Medical Officer at Vieroots Wellness Solutions.

“Postmenopausal women often experience cardiovascular changes and insulin resistance, primarily due to decreased estrogen levels. These changes affect the ability of blood vessels to relax and contract efficiently, compromising peripheral circulation. By increasing nitric oxide levels through daily consumption of beetroot juice“Blood vessels can maintain better elasticity, improving blood flow,” said Dr. Biju, Chief Medical Officer of Vieroots Wellness Solutions.

Daily consumption of beetroot juice increases nitric oxide levels, which maintains the elasticity of blood vessels and improves blood flow (Source: Freepik)

What is the ideal way to drink beetroot juice?

“It is always better to eat whole vegetables or fruits instead of daily juices. If you are juicing, combine beetroot with carrot and ginger and limit it to 200 ml. For regular beetroot juice, consume around 100-150 ml,” said Srivastav.

“Add beetroot to salads, grate it into curd or mix it with spices. Grated beetroot can also be added to dosa, cheela or idli batter,” she suggested.

According to Srivastav, it is safe to eat beetroot if you wash it thoroughly and blanch it during monsoon. “If you have diabetes, combine beetroot with other vegetables in the salad and prefer whole beetroot instead of the juice,” she said.

Biju said people with pre-existing kidney problems should consult their doctor before consuming beetroot juice regularly. In rare cases, high nitrate levels can cause headaches or dizziness.