Dr Michael Mosley swears by surprising ‘superfood’ that ‘works like Viagra and slashes heart attack risk’

EATING a so-called 'superfood' can help boost your sex drive and even slash your heart attack risk, a TV doctor claims.

Dr Michael Mosley said the tasty veg works “exactly the same as viagra” and was even used by the Romans as an aphrodisiac.

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It helps your blood vessels dilate, improving flow to your privates and bringing your blood pressure down, he explained

Speaking on 5x15 stories, Dr Mosley said: “For those who are interested the biochemistry — the sciencey bit — essentially beetroot is rich in nitrates. 

“Nitrates are converted by bacteria in your mouth into nitric oxide. That causes vasodilation - expansion of your blood vessels. 

“That's what brings your blood pressure down and what it also does, particularly with older people, it gives them a boost so they are able to become more active.”

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Around one in three Brits have high blood pressure, with the condition causing around 75,000 deaths a year.

It can increase your risks of heart disease, heart attacks and stroke, as well as aneurysms, kidney disease and dementia.

Previous research has shown drinking a cup of beetroot juice every day brought people with hypertension’s blood pressure back into the “normal range”.

Beetroot is rich in folate, which helps cells grow and function.

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The nutrient plays a key role in controlling blood vessel damage, helping reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attacks and stroke.

And Dr Mosley said nitrate in the root vegetable can also give you a boost in the bedroom.

He compared it to Viagra, which makes your body more sensitive to nitric oxide, opening up the blood vessels around your penis.

Dr Mosley said:  “The Romans used it as an aphrodisiac strangely enough.

"The mechanism is exactly the same as in Viagra. What Viagra does is lead to the release of nitric oxide and the expansion of blood vessels, but mainly around your genitalia. 

“Another good reason to eat beetroot."