Did you know that beet juice is great for your health? Its high concentration of natural chemicals, known as nitrates, is beneficial to the human body because it improves blood circulation. Optimal blood flow means more oxygen is distributed throughout the body. As a result, beet juice lowers blood pressure. This is because nitrate in beet juice converts into nitric oxide.
Inorganic nitrates
Inorganic nitrates are a common substance found in many foods. They help to improve circulation and promote the release of nitric oxide, a powerful chemical that helps relax blood vessels and increase blood flow. Many foods, especially beets, contain these nitrates, which are naturally found in soil and the roots of certain plants. Beet juice contains higher amounts of inorganic nitrates than other types of juice.
The study involved comparing nitrate-rich and nitrite-rich beet juice. The former has been shown to improve cardiovascular health. However, limited research has been conducted on the role of inorganic NO2 in cardiovascular disease. Although the effects of inorganic NO2 were assessed separately in BR juice, the results of the present study indicate that beet juice may have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health.
Blood pressure regulation
A recent study has shown that drinking beet juice can lower blood pressure. In a double-blind crossover study, 15 men and women were given 500 mL of beet and apple juice or a placebo. The volunteers’ blood pressure was monitored before the study began and then hourly for the next 24 hours. Venous blood was also withdrawn and the levels of nitrite and nitrate were determined. Blood pressure was recorded in both participants during a standardized protocol.
One study showed that beets reduce systolic blood pressure by as much as 20 points in just one hour. This reduction was most pronounced in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Interestingly, beet juice has similar benefits in healthy people, but these benefits are more obvious in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension. These findings may explain the apparent inconsistencies in medical studies. For more information, check out the recent review of nondrug approaches to blood pressure regulation.
Improved performance
In studies of endurance sports, beet juice has been linked to better sprint and higher-repetition strength training. However, the benefits aren’t as strong in trained athletes. In one study, beet juice had a modest effect on endurance events, like cycling time trials. However, it was more effective in improving sprint performance than endurance sports, according to a meta-analysis of 23 beet juice studies.
Although studies have been done on individuals who are not athletes, the benefits of beet juice for exercise are not fully understood. Large scale studies are needed to determine whether it can improve performance in people of different fitness levels. Moreover, studies should be conducted in diverse populations, including women and highly trained athletes. Most studies focused on young males, which may not be representative of the target audience. Additionally, beet juice should be consumed safely, as commercially available nitrates can cause potentially life-threatening conditions.
Reducing inflammation
Be aware that there are several risks associated with beet juice, including an increase in oxalic acid. This compound contributes to the formation of kidney stones. You should consult your doctor before consuming large amounts of beet juice. In addition to its health benefits, beet juice may cause stomach upset and irritation. It may even cause an allergic reaction, including hives and tight vocal cords. It is also high in minerals, including magnesium and iron. The high levels of these nutrients may damage the pancreas and liver.
While beet juice contains no fat or protein, it is an excellent source of potassium and carbohydrates from naturally occurring sugars. Beets also contain inorganic nitrates, which are converted to nitric oxide and nitrite. These compounds work to reduce inflammation by improving blood flow to the heart and brain. It is also rich in fiber and folate. If you want to make your own beet juice, here are some easy steps to get started: