Beet juice has been studied extensively for its impact on cardiovascular function. Key findings from recent research include:
- Improvement in Hypertension and Endothelial Function: A study found that raw beet juice (RBJ) significantly improved flow-mediated dilation (FMD), reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and decreased inflammatory markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor alpha in hypertensive subjects. This study indicated that both raw and cooked beetroot were effective in improving blood pressure and endothelial function, but raw beetroot juice had greater antihypertensive effects (Asgary et al., 2016).
- Impact on Cardiovascular Health: Another review highlighted the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemo-preventive activities of red beet and its impact on the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular system. It detailed how dietary nitrates in beetroot juice play a role in regulating blood pressure (Babarykin et al., 2019).
- Effects on Pulmonary Hypertension: A study on rats indicated that beet juice supplementation could protect against elevated right ventricular systolic pressure and pulmonary arterial remodeling in pulmonary hypertension. The study suggested the potential of habitual ingestion of beet juice for preventing pulmonary hypertension, although it might not be effective once the condition has developed to a certain degree (Tawa et al., 2018).
- Improvement in Macrovascular Endothelial Function: Research demonstrated that a single dose of beetroot juice improved macrovascular endothelial function in pregnant women, though it did not affect muscle oxygen saturation parameters. This suggests that beetroot juice can enhance endothelial function, which is a key aspect of cardiovascular health (Volino-Souza et al., 2018).
- Acute Reduction in Blood Pressure and Improved Vascular Function: A study showed that diets rich in fruits and vegetables, especially those high in nitrates like beetroot juice, lead to substantial reductions in blood pressure and improve vascular function. This effect is associated with increased plasma nitrite concentration following ingestion of dietary nitrates (Webb et al., 2008).
In conclusion, these studies collectively indicate that beet juice, particularly its nitrate content, can significantly improve various aspects of cardiovascular function, including lowering blood pressure, enhancing endothelial function, and reducing inflammation.