Beets and beet greens

The beetroot plant's vibrantly colored root and greens contain chemicals that improve lung function. Beetroot supplements have been found to enhance physical performance and lung function in persons with lung disorders such as COPD and pulmonary hypertension, a disease in which the lungs have high blood pressure. Beet greens are also high in magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and carotenoid antioxidants, which are all important for lung health.

Nitrates found in beetroot and beet greens have been proved to improve lung function. Nitrates aid in blood vessel relaxing, blood pressure reduction, and oxygen uptake optimization. Beet juice can help reduce blood pressure in as little as a few hours. According to one study, drinking one glass of beet juice reduced systolic blood pressure by four to five points on average. Beets contain naturally occurring nitrates, which are converted to nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide, in turn, helps your blood vessels relax and widen, boosting blood flow and decreasing blood pressure. Another study discovered that drinking 8 ounces of beet juice each day for a week reduced blood pressure by nearly eight points, which is greater than most blood pressure drugs.