Maintaining healthy arteries is critical for cardiovascular wellness and overall health. Unfortunately, many people overlook simple, natural dietary choices that can make a huge difference to our arterial function and reduce heart disease risk. Dr. Eric Berg, a renowned health educator and global wellness expert, suggests this powerful drink made from cacao powder and beetroot that can help boost arterial health and improve circulation by regulating blood pressure.
Understanding arterial health and the role of nitric oxideArteries are blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood from the heart to all parts of the body. Over time, factors like poor diet, chronic stress, smoking and inflammation can cause endothelial damage, injury to the inner lining of the arteries. This damage leads to reduced production of nitric oxide, a vital molecule that helps blood vessels relax and dilate. It causes:
- Increase blood pressure
- Greater risk of blood clots
- Stiffer arteries
In fact, according to Dr. Eric Berg, 90% of the heart attacks involve blood clot formation due to endothelial damage of the tissues. Supporting nitric oxide production is therefore essential for maintaining healthy arteries and reducing cardiovascular risk.
Cacao powder, especially in its raw and organic form, is a nutritional powerhouse. It contains flavonoids, antioxidants that stimulate the production of nitric oxide in blood vessels. Dr. Berg describes cacao as “exercise in a cup” because it promotes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), reverses arterial stiffness, and improves overall arterial function.Regular consumption of cacao can:
- Enhance blood flow
- Lower blood pressure
- Improve cholesterol balance by reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) and supporting HDL (good cholesterol)
- Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that contribute to artery damage
The combination of these benefits helps maintain the elasticity and health of your arteries, crucial for heart health.Another potent yet natural ingredient that complements cacao perfectly. It is rich in dietary nitrates, which the body then converts into nitric oxide, amplifying the positive effects on vascular function. Beetroot also contains betalains, powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties, and provides all essential nutrients to the body such as folate, potassium and magnesium, all of which are beneficial for cardiovascular health.
How to make this daily artery-friendly drink
1–2 teaspoons of organic raw cacao powder1–2 teaspoons of beetroot powder or ½ cup fresh beetroot juice1 cup of warm water, almond milk, or your preferred baseOptional: pinch of sea salt or magnesium glycinate for additional benefitsMix all ingredients and enjoy this nutrient-dense drink once daily to support healthy arteries.
Dr. Berg’s important tips for cacao consumption:
To juice out the maximum benefits from cacao powder, do the following:Perfect timing (not too late, not too early): Avoid consuming cacao two hours before or after coffee. This prevents interference with cacao’s ability to stimulate nitric oxide production.Choose organic: Organic cacao powder avoids harmful pesticides and chemicals making it a more healthier and cleaner drink option for arterial health.Optional add-ons: Adding a pinch of sea salt or magnesium glycinate can support hydration and muscle relaxation, enhancing overall cardiovascular benefits.According to a research published in National Institute of Health,under the title ” Cacao, blood pressure and vascular function”, says that cocoa exerts a beneficial impact on cardiovascular health, through the reduction of blood pressure and boosting blood to the arteries.According to a researchexploring the therapeutic potential of beetroot juice in patients with peripheral artery disease, Beetroot juice boosts nitric oxide, improving blood flow and PAD management.All the above evidence from science and wellness experts suggests that incorporating this juice in your daily routine can turn out to be beneficial for cardiovascular health.
