Consumption of one glass of beetroot juice daily can lower blood pressure levels in people with hypertension. That's according to a new study conducted by researchers at Queen Mary University in London.
Beets contain high levels of inorganic nitrates. They can also be found among other leafy vegetables such as lettuce and cabbage. Once in the body, they become nitric oxide, which has the ability to relax and dilate blood vessels.
For the study, 64 patients aged between 18 and 85 years were involved. Half of them are taking prescribed medications to treat high blood pressure , but have not yet achieved a cure. The other participants were diagnosed with hypertension , but have not yet started medication.
At random, all participants are divided into two groups. Those in one group consumed one glass of beetroot juice per day - about 250 ml, and the other group was given a placebo drink.
Drinks are consumed for a period of four weeks, and participants are monitored throughout, as well as two weeks before and after that period.
During the study, neither the participants nor the doctors who monitored and conducted the tests knew who had consumed placebo and who had real beetroot juice .
It has been found that in those who consume beet juice, there is a decrease in blood pressure levels , and in some they even return to normal. Two weeks after stopping the drink, blood pressure levels rise again.
The study is published in the journal Hypertension .