Even small doses of beet juice reduce blood pressure
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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A study conducted by specialists from the University of Reading (Great Britain) showed that even small doses of beet juice reduce blood pressure. The same effect has bread, in which white or red beets are added.
Previous work showed that 500 ml of beet juice reduce blood pressure after 24 hours. Now scientists have tried to establish what a dose-dependent effect is, by checking the effects of 100, 250 and 500 g of juice.
It was found that 100 g of beet juice lead to a drop in blood pressure in both short-term (0-4 hours) and long-term (up to 13 hours) periods. Bread, enriched with the same amount of juice of white or red beets, reduces pressure in the same time frame.
The antihypertensive effect of the drink is explained by the presence of nitrate in the beet, which when converted into the body is converted to nitrogen oxide, and this substance enhances blood flow and helps maintain low blood pressure. It is important to note that miraculous nitrate is in both red and white root crops (white beets simply do not contain betalain, a pigment that imparts a rich red color).
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