Hypertensive patients' blood pressure dropped after drinking this juice... What ingredient is responsible?

For those concerned about high blood pressure, drinking beet juice may be helpful. A British study found that consuming a small amount of beet juice daily can alleviate high blood pressure symptoms.

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London asked people diagnosed with or at risk for high blood pressure to drink a beverage every day for four weeks. Half of the participants were given 250 mL of beetroot juice daily, while the other half were given a placebo that tasted and looked identical to beetroot juice.

As a result, only the group that drank beet juice experienced a decrease in blood pressure, returning to the "normal" range. However, two weeks after the study ended, when the participants stopped consuming beet juice, their blood pressure returned to its previously high levels.

Beets are rich in minerals and nitrates. Nitrates, in particular, are converted into nitrites and nitric oxide in the body, which relax and widen blood vessels. This makes beets a powerful tool for managing blood pressure and promoting cardiovascular health. Tim Spector, a professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College London, also noted, "Beets contain polyphenols, which reduce inflammation, and nitrates, which are essential for dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow, providing numerous health benefits. They are also beneficial for athletic performance and high blood pressure control."

Beets are rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins, which are effective in removing free radicals from the body and suppressing cancer inflammation. In particular, they contain about four times more polyphenols than tomatoes or garlic. As a red vegetable, they also contain lycopene and ellagic acid, which help strengthen the immune system and improve vascular health. Furthermore, beets are rich in betaine, which helps boost energy and enhance athletic performance. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, cyclists who drank beet juice ran 16% longer than those who did not.

However, a study by Queen Mary University found that high blood pressure returned to normal after beet juice was stopped, suggesting that beetroot consumption should be continued for long-term benefits.

If you're eating beets to supplement your nitrate intake, a generous serving is sufficient. They contain about 6-10mmoL of nitrate, providing ample health benefits.