| A new study suggests that drinking beetroot juice can help lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.Beets are a source of vitamins A and C, iron, and other minerals, carotenoids, and dietary fiber. Beets can also increase nitric oxide in the body, which can affect blood vessels.
In a recent study, researchers evaluated the effects of nitrate on blood pressure in people with high blood pressure when consumed in the diet. Sixty-eight people with high blood pressure were randomly assigned to drink 250 mL of beetroot juice containing nitrate or 250 mL of a nitrate-free beetroot juice control drink daily for 4 weeks. The change in blood pressure was evaluated as the main outcome measure. The researchers found that daily supplementation of beetroot juice containing nitrate was associated with a reduction in blood pressure. Blood pressure measurements were taken by three different methods. Blood pressure measurements taken at home were reduced by 8.1/3.8 mm Hg throughout the 4 week treatment period. Arterial stiffness was also reduced. The authors concluded that daily nitrate consumption in the diet can play a role in treating high blood pressure and is readily-available and cost-effective. Additional research is warranted References Published in January, 2015 issue of Natural Standard’s Integrative Medicine Newsletter. Shared here with permission of Natural Standards Research Collaboration ©2015. |