Hidden Hormone Drop Puts Your Heart at Risk
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted April 26, 2025
Ladies, if you’re currently going through menopause—or have already gone through “the change”—there’s a good chance your heart health is at risk.
See, as estrogen levels decline, your cardiovascular protection decreases. This leaves you more vulnerable to heart disease.
But nature offers a surprising ally in this battle—and, oddly enough, you’ll find it in the produce aisle.
A promising study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology found that postmenopausal women who received nitrate-rich beet extract over 12 weeks showed significant improvement in carotid artery stiffness.
The women taking beet extract had measurable improvements in two vital heart measurements—pulse wave velocity and arterial compliance.
Plus, their increased nitrate and nitrite levels confirmed that their bodies were successfully converting the beet nutrients into heart-protective compounds.
Here’s why these findings matter…
Think of your arteries as flexible tubes that carry blood throughout your body.
When you’re young, those tubes are elastic and springy, expanding and contracting smoothly with each heartbeat. But as you age (especially after menopause) the arteries can become more rigid, like a garden hose left in the sun.
This stiffening forces your heart to work harder to pump blood through your body, raising blood pressure and increasing strain on your cardiovascular system.
Over time, this extra stress can lead to serious heart problems, including heart attack and stroke.
The new study focused on the carotid arteries—and for good reason. These vital blood vessels run along both sides of your neck delivering blood to your brain.
When these arteries stiffen, it not only affects heart health but also impacts brain function.
So, what’s the secret behind beets’ heart-protecting powers?
It all boils down to dietary nitrates.
When you eat beets, those nitrates are converted into nitric oxide, which helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.
This natural process can counter the arterial stiffening that commonly occurs during and after menopause.
In other words, beets provide a safe and natural way to improve vascular health without the drug side effects.
It’s easy to incorporate more of this humble veggie into your diet. Here are a few suggestions…
- Add fresh beets to salads or toss them in olive oil and spices and roast them as a side dish
- Blend beets into smoothies with berries to mask their earthy flavor
- Juice fresh beets with apple and ginger for a heart-healthy drink
- Take beet supplements or concentrated beet juice shots for a more consistent dose
But why stop there? Combine beets with other natural artery-supporting nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish and flaxseeds) and vitamin D (through sunlight or supplements).
Regular aerobic exercise can also help you maintain arterial elasticity. And finally, stress-reduction techniques like meditation and yoga support overall heart health.
While more research is needed, this study offers a safe, simple, and affordable solution to protect your cardiovascular health during menopause and beyond.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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