New research suggests that you may be able to lower high blood pressure by simply drinking to cups of beetroot juice a day. The study, conducted by The London School of Medicine and Barts, showed that consuming 500ml of beetroot juice a day reduces blood pressure an average of 10 mm hg for up to 24 hours. (People’s 2008)

The effects of the beetroot juice are seen quickly, lowering blood pressure just one hour after ingestion with the maximum effect occurring in 3 to 4 hours. Researchers found that during the period of maximum blood pressure reduction, high levels of nitrate were also found in the patient’s circulation. In contrast, a second group of subjects, who refrained from swallowing their saliva for several hours after drinking the beet juice, saw no reduction in blood pressure and did not experience a peak in their nitrate levels. These results allowed researchers to show that the decrease in blood pressure was actually the result of the dietary nitrate in the juice reacting with saliva and tongue bacteria to create a different type of nitrate. (Queen 2008)

The dietary nitrate found in beetroot juice is also found in green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and carrots. Prior to this study, it was believed that it was the antioxidant vitamin content in vegetables that lowered blood pressure. (Queen 2008)

SOURCES:

Queen Mary, University of London (2008, February 6). Daily Glass Of Beet Juice Can Beat High Blood Pressure, Study Shows. ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 26, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2008/02/080205123825.htm

The People’s Pharmacy (2008, March 3). Beat High Blood Pressure With Beet Juice. Retrieved September 26, 2008 from http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/beat_high_blood_pressure_with_beet_juice.php

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