Regular intake of beetroot juice would not only help in lowering blood pressure but also increases ones' ability to exercise by enhancing heart workload and delivery of oxygen to muscles, says researchers in a study published in American Journal of Physiology - Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology.  

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Abundant of inorganic nitrates present in beet juice is converted into nitric oxide in body which relaxes and dilates the blood vessels. Researchers from the University of California conducted a study to test the effect of beet juice in enhancing endurance. About 14 men were asked to drink beet juice for a period of 15 days during which measurements of Heart function and blood pressure were made.

It was observed as a result of the study that drinking beet juice helped in lowering the blood pressure as well as relaxed and dilated the blood vessels. The investigators also found that the heart consumed only little oxygen during exercise when the participants drank beet juice. The researchers noted on the findings that beet juice could be considered as an effective dietary supplement to enhance the supply of oxygen to the muscles and reduce to heart's work load. Beet juice would help athletes achieve a longer workout time, said researchers according to News Max Health.  

Meanwhile Dr. Amrita Ahluwalia, the lead author of the study noted on the positive effects of beet juice saying: "We were surprised by how little nitrate was needed to see such a large effect." She also added that "This study shows that compared to individuals with healthy blood pressure much less nitrate is needed to produce the kinds of decreases in blood pressure that might provide clinical benefits in people who need to lower their blood pressure," according to Medical Daily.

It is to be noted that American Society for Nutrition has reported that about 80 percent of nitrates we consume are from vegetables. Other than vegetables processed meat and certain fruits are the dietary sources of nitrates, notes the former organisation. It also added that 0.2 grams of dietary nitrates could be achieved by consuming two beetroots which is equal to one large bowl of lettuce. 

TagsBeetroot Juice, Beet, Heart functions, exercise, blood pressure