New research shows that drinking beet juice could boost blood flow to your brain and possibly protect against dementia. In a small study from Nitric Oxide: Biology and Chemistry, scientists discovered that subjects given beet juice had increased blood flow to brain regions associated with aging-related cognitive impairment.
The study involved 14 adults, all of whom were age 70 or older. Over the course of a four-day experiment, researchers found that following a beet-juice-enriched diet helped stimulate circulation to white matter in the frontal lobes. According to the study's authors, poor circulation in this part of the brain is often linked to a higher risk of dementia.
Marked by a strong flavor, beet juice is often blended with other juices (like apple or carrot) before drinking. Past studies show that drinking beet juice may also tame inflammation, keep blood pressure in check, and enhance exercise stamina.
