Beetroot juice, a source of high nitrate levels, may help prevent high blood pressure, according to a study published in Hypertension. Nitrate is a compound that increases the amount of gas nitric oxide that circulates through the blood.
In an effort to determine if beetroot juice contains enough nitrate to lower blood pressure, researchers had two groups of individuals either drink the juice or take nitrate capsules.
The results of the study showed that within 24 hours, the supplements and the juice had lowered the blood pressure of people in both groups. Furthermore, the investigators discovered that about 250 milliliters (mL) of beetroot juice was all that was needed to have the same effects on ones blood pressure as the nitrate capsules.
These findings 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 Amrita Ahluwalia, lead researcher of the study.
For individuals who are interested in other natural alternatives to preventing this cardiovascular complication, a recent study by researchers at the Temple University School of Medicine found that adding brown rice to ones diet can also help lower blood pressure.