Looking for ways to beat high blood pressure with few or no drugs? The latest findings show beets can help. The juice of the blood-red root crop is high in nitrates; these convert in the body to nitric acid, which relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure. Many people with hypertension currently take a prescription form of nitrates, but researchers found a pint of beet juice may work just as well. Researchers noted effects in people with normal and high blood pressure, and the results were more profound among those with higher initial readings. Bottoms up! (Via BBC.)
Brown rice loves your heart
You knew that brown rice was good for you, but now there’s more research explaining why. Scientists based in Philadelphia have found a constituent in the whole grain that reduces the potency of angiotensin II, a natural body protein that boosts blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. That key ingredient occurs naturally in the outer layer of the rice grain — the part that gets stripped off to make white rice. Brown rice also offers more healthful fiber, vitamins and flavor while lessening blood-sugar spikes. (Via Health.com).
