New Study Finds Beet Juice Boosts Blood Vessel Function in Post-Menopausal Women
Recent research suggests that daily consumption of beet juice may enhance blood vessel function more effectively than a placebo, potentially reducing heart disease risk in post-menopausal women.
Participants in the study consumed two 2.3-ounce bottles of concentrated beet juice initially, followed by one bottle daily for a week. After a few weeks, they switched to beet juice without nitrate.
To assess vascular function, researchers measured blood vessel expansion both during and after nitrate-rich beet juice consumption.
Results indicated that daily intake of nitrate-rich beet juice improved blood flow compared to nitrate-free beet juice. However, the study also revealed that protective benefits on blood vessels diminished within 24 hours after the last nitrate dose.
Lead researcher Jocelyn Delgado Spicuzza, PhD, from Pennsylvania State University’s Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, emphasized the role of dietary nitrate in enhancing nitric oxide availability. This compound widens blood vessels, aiding blood flow and oxygen delivery, crucial for heart health post-menopause.
Dr. John Higgins, a sports cardiologist at UTHealth Houston not involved in the study, highlighted how post-menopausal women lose estrogen’s protective effects on vascular function, potentially increasing cardiovascular risk.
Nitrate-rich beet juice not only promotes systemic nitric oxide production but also offers additional health benefits such as lowering blood pressure, reducing LDL cholesterol, enhancing exercise stamina, and supporting liver health during chemotherapy.
For those considering beet juice, Dr. Higgins recommended opting for organic varieties with minimal additives or sugars, prioritizing natural over powdered forms for optimal health benefits.
