Beets found good for the brain

PRN - GHN News Editor - A new study shows beets are good for the brain and that a daily dose increases blood flow, helping to prevent dementia.

Wake

University researchers at the Translational Science Center, undertook a
study to examine the benefits of beet juice.  They found its richness
in nitrate helps to open the blood vessels and improve blood flow to the
brain.

"One
of the great things about nitrite is that it seems to head straight for
the places that need more oxygen supplied by increased blood flow,"
said Gary Miller, associate professor in Wake Forest University's
Department of Health and Exercise Science and one of the senior
investigators on the project. "I think these results are consistent and
encouraging - that good diet consisting of a lot of fruits and
vegetables can contribute to overall good health."

This study supports previous research that reveals how nitrate-rich foods can lower blood pressure and improve exercise.

"There
are areas in the brain that become poorly perfused as you age, and
that's believed to be associated with dementia and poor cognition," said
Daniel Kim-Shapiro, director of Wake Forest University's Translational Science Center; Fostering Independence in Aging.

High
concentrations of nitrates are found in beets, as well as in celery,
cabbage and other leafy green vegetables like spinach and some lettuce.