How does beetroot affect blood — does it thin it or thicken it?

Beetroot is one of the healthiest foods, according to most nutritionists. But how does eating it affect the functioning of the cardiovascular system?

According to research, beetroot has cardioprotective properties and also lowers blood pressure.

There is also an opinion that beetroot has the property of thinning thick blood. Is it true? And in what form is it better to use it then?

How does the root vegetable affect blood viscosity?

The first thing to focus on is that there is no such thing as "blood thinning" in traditional medicine. We are talking about a change in its viscosity and a change in the coagulation coefficient.

"Dilutes" means that a certain product makes the blood less viscous and reduces its coagulability.

All this in total reduces the likelihood of thrombosis, plaques and other fractions that are absent in the circulatory system of a healthy person.

How does beetroot affect blood viscosity? She really dilutes it. And this is achieved due to the presence of high concentrations of calcium and pectin substances in the root crop – they are just involved in metabolic processes in the blood, and also help to remove derived elements of bacteria, cholesterol, lead, cadmium and other harmful trace elements from the plasma.

That is why nutritionists recommend using only mixtures based on beet juice, and at the same time, before use, it should be allowed to settle – after that, most of the volatile substances, including combinations with calcium, break down into derivative elements that can no longer harm the cardiovascular system.

Benefits for the cardiovascular system

For the most part, regular consumption of beetroot helps to normalize the biochemical composition of the blood, as well as clean the vessels . Moreover, this is achieved with the help of a high fiber content – it helps to cleanse the large intestine of accumulated toxins, and also contributes to fluid retention in the gastrointestinal tract.

Simply put, fiber gets rid of garbage from the body and helps the intestines to better digest the food they eat.

And beetroot also contains beta-carotene. This element is extremely important for people "aged" . After about the age of 45, almost all organs of the endocrine system begin to gradually degrade, after which the glandular tissue is replaced by fibrous tissue. And it all starts with a deterioration of blood flow, narrowing of blood vessels. Beetroot significantly slows down this process. And it is precisely because of this, for example, men who regularly consume this root vegetable almost never get prostatitis.

Beetroot also has the following effect:

1. Strengthens the heart muscle . True, in combination with vitamins A and B groups. So for the heart, a mixture of carrot and beet juice will be the most useful.
2. Prevents the appearance of cholesterol plaques. Because beetroot helps the body get rid of harmful cholesterol and strengthens blood vessels .
3. Helps to remove sodium compounds. This reduces the likelihood of thinning of the walls of blood vessels.

How to use it — 3 recipes

Nutritionists recommend using beetroot in the following types:

1. Boiled root vegetable. Cook for at least 25-30 minutes. Unlike other vegetables and fruits, beet fiber does not break down during heat treatment and completely retains its original structure.
2. Beetroot juice. It should be prepared from fresh root vegetables, but the squeezed juice must be allowed to settle at room temperature for 2-3 hours. After that, it is mixed in a ratio of 1 to 1 with carrot, apple, pear juice and included in the diet (such a mixture should be stored for no more than 2 days in the refrigerator). Beetroot juice is one of the the most useful juices for blood vessels .
3. Kvass. It will take 2 medium tablespoons of beetroot to make beet kvass. They should be peeled, cut into cubes, put in a 3-liter jar. Pour the cooled boiled water (almost to the top). Add 2 tablespoons of honey, the same amount of sour cream and a piece of stale black bread. Cover the jar with gauze on top and set aside in a dark place at room temperature for 4-5 days. It remains only to strain the kvass and you can use it.

Contraindications and side effects

Contraindication for the use of beetroot is only an allergic reaction (it is very rare). It should also be carefully included in the diet during pregnancy and lactation – this point is better discussed with a family doctor or gynecologist.

But of the side effects, doctors single out only a short-term violation of the stool. Beetroot softens fecal matter, which in some cases can cause diarrhea. But, as a rule, the gastrointestinal tract is completely normalized in the next 3 to 4 days.

Other anticoagulant products

Nutritionists identify the following foods that best help to quickly lower blood clotting:

1. Chocolate. Moreover, it is better to use dark chocolate with a high cocoa content – from 70%.
2. Garlic.  Garlic dilutes the blood and dramatically reduces the concentration of cholesterol in the body.
3. Coffee. The effect is achieved due to a slight vasodilation . But it is worth considering that blood pressure may increase due to an acceleration of the heartbeat.
4. Aloe juice. One of the best blood thinners, but it's still not worth abusing.

Also check out the infographic:

 

Interesting video

And now we invite you to familiarize yourself with the video:

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Conclusion

In total, beetroot really reduces blood viscosity. Therefore, it should be included in the diet with a tendency to thrombosis, varicose veins. But at the same time, it is better not to drink concentrated fresh beet juice – it should be diluted.