The Smoothie Cure for High Blood Pressure

A good blender and a little know-how are all you need to beet BP

A cup of beetroot juice really helped people lower their high blood pressure by 11 points within 6 hours, finds a latest study. The factor it works so quick: Beets include dietary nitrate, which your body turns to a gas that expands blood vessels and helps blood flow. This easy smoothie from nutritional expert Dana White contains a heart-healthy trifecta of nitrate, magnesium, and potassium.

You can find cooked beets in your supermarkets produce case or salad bar—or roast your own.

Pineapple-Beet Blast

PREP TIME: 5 minutes
SERVINGS: 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. 

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