Beetroot Juice: A Natural Way to Lower Blood Pressure
Research from Queen Mary University of London has revealed that drinking a daily cup of beetroot juice can significantly lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension. The study, published on January 19, 2015, found that patients who consumed a 250ml glass of beetroot juice every day saw an average decrease in blood pressure of 8/4 mmHg. For many, this reduction brought their blood pressure levels into the normal range.
The key to this effect lies in beetroot’s high levels of inorganic nitrate, which is also found in other leafy green vegetables like lettuce and cabbage. This natural compound helps to relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure. This discovery is particularly important because research shows that each 2mmHg increase in blood pressure raises the risk of death from heart disease by 7% and stroke by 10%.
The study’s findings are groundbreaking. A typical anti-hypertensive drug only reduces blood pressure by an average of 9/5 mmHg, meaning dietary nitrate from beetroot juice can have similar effects as medication. The trial, which included 64 patients aged 18 to 85, found that those who consumed beetroot juice also showed improved blood vessel dilation and reduced arterial stiffness, which are both linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
One of the best aspects of this treatment is that it is natural and easy to incorporate into daily life. Professor Amrita Ahluwalia, lead author of the study, emphasised that making simple lifestyle changes like adding beetroot or other nitrate-rich vegetables to your diet can dramatically improve heart health.
While more research is needed to determine if the effects last long-term, this study offers an exciting, affordable alternative to traditional blood pressure medication, with no adverse side effects.