A study claims beetroot can lower blood pressure.

A beet a day could keep the doctor away.

A team of scientists from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry has been investigating the medicinal qualities of beetroot for years.

The researchers recently discovered that consuming 8 ounces of beet juice daily could lower your blood pressure.

In one study involving 15 patients some returned to a normal range within as little as three to six hours, and their results were still noticeable a day later.

The reason behind it is believed to be the blood-vessel-widening nitrate the vegetable absorbs from the soil.

What came as a surprise was how little of it is needed to produce a positive effect.

The scientists are unsure if the blood pressure lowering benefits are long lasting.

Regardless, the beet has proven itself to be a serious power-player in the vegetable world.

It’s been touted as an anti-oxidant, an anti-inflammatory, and even an aphrodisiac.

Specific elements in the vegetable’s make-up make all of this possible including boron and betalains.

The latter is what gives the beet its deep red hue.