Beetroot’s nitrate cuts blood pressure
While the anti-hypertensive properties of beetroot juice had long been known, a new study says the high nitrate content in the drink is responsible for its effects.
According to the study published in Hypertension, beetroot juice considerably reduces blood pressure levels within 24 hours, similar to what happens following the use of nitrate tablets.
"We showed that beetroot and nitrate capsules are equally effective in lowering blood pressure, indicating that it is the nitrate content of beetroot juice that underlies its potential to reduce blood pressure," said lead researcher Amrita Ahluwalia.
Beetroot’s nitrate content changes into the gas nitric oxide, which keeps the blood vessels open and relaxed and subsequently lowers blood pressure levels.
The higher the blood pressure, the greater would be the impact of the nitrates, the new study found. It also showed that the effects of the drink were more pronounced in women as they naturally process nitrate better in their bodies.
Scientists believe their findings would pave the way for the development of a more "natural" approach for fighting hypertension, stressing that following a diet rich in green, leafy vegetables like lettuce and beetroot can lower the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
"I wouldn’t ever recommend anyone to come off their hypertension tablets at all. This might be an additional therapy that might be a bit more acceptable to the general public," Ahluwalia added.
Source: presstv.ir
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