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A surprising new study about the effects of dietary nitrates on blood pressure suggests that heart benefits may be found by consuming beet juice. Although it sounds far-fetched, the idea of the study is actually based on solid scientific evidence that dietary nitrates can lower blood pressure levels in both normal patients as well as those who are already suffering from high blood pressure. Beetroot happens to be a natural source of dietary nitrates, which, when combined with the flora contained in human saliva, react to form bioactive nitrite. This substance (symbolized as NO2) causes vasodilation and consequently, lowers blood pressure. Although beetroot was the particular vegetable used in the study, leafy green vegetables also contain nitrate and are likely to have similar benefits. To complete the study, the researchers used 15 patients who had been diagnosed with hypertension but who were not currently taking any medications to treat the condition. They divided the participants randomly into two groups. One group was given a solution of 250 mL of inorganic nitrate-rich beetroot juice while the other was given 250 mL of plain water. The participants’ blood pressure was measured both before the administration of the juice or water as well as afterwards (and at varying intervals). The results of the study were exiting because they showed a significant difference between the two groups. In the group who received the juice, blood pressure dropped by an average of 11 mm Hg within 3 to 6 hours after the substance was consumed. A full 24 hours later, blood pressure levels were still lowered in these participants – (an average of 7 mm Hg lower than baseline). These findings are especially encouraging because nitrates could prove to be a potential source of therapy for patients suffering from high blood pressure. Most patients are likely aware that physicians and other public health officials recommend consuming healthy amounts of fruits, vegetables, and fiber, but most may not know what exactly about these foods provides a benefit to those who regularly consume them. The beetroot study suggests that what is most beneficial about these foods is their level of biologically inert nitrate. Green leafy vegetables, which have been shown in past studies to be particularly good at lowering blood pressure and improving health, have the highest concentration of nitrate out of all the so-called ‘healthy’ foods. The only drawback to the beetroot study is that it only measured the effects of the treatment over a period of 24 hours. It is possible that the nitrate effects only last for a short period or that patients must consume the beetroot on a regular basis in order to maintain the benefit. Also, since the study was only conducted on 15 people, it is possible that different or more limited results might be obtained if a larger cohort were used. Regardless, the results are promising enough to warrant the attention of both patients as well as physicians and the larger medical research community. Hopefully, future studies will look at whether dietary nitrates can either be incorporated with more frequency or whether a treatment can be developed to administer the same substance in a more efficient way. Visit Physicians Employment to learn about cardiology jobs, family physician jobs, hospitalist jobs, emergency medicine jobs, and 200 other specialties.
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