Known as the silent killer, high blood pressure can be dangerous if left unchecked. However, managing it becomes much easier with the right tools.
Beetroot juice could offer a natural alternative to medication for treating high blood pressure, according to internal medicine specialist Dr Leonid Kim.
The medical expert suggests that medication should be the last resort for managing blood pressure, advocating instead for evidence-based lifestyle interventions.
He explained that the root vegetable's effectiveness stems from its high nitrate content.
Medication should be the last resort for managing blood pressure according to Dr Kim
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"Beets are very rich in nitrates and these inorganic nitrates get converted to bioactive nitrites that help dilate our blood vessels," he said.
This process of blood vessel dilation is key to reducing blood pressure.
"Its this vasodilation of the blood vessels that will lower the vascular resistance that causes high blood pressure," added Dr Kim.
"That in turn enhances the blood flow circulation and helps blood vessels deliver more nutrients and oxygen to our organs."
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Research published in The Journal of Nutrition has demonstrated significant results for beetroot supplementation.
Dr Kim noted that the study showed "there was no difference in taking beetroot juice versus inorganic nitrite supplements".
"That's a very impressive reduction in blood pressure, especially as a result of a natural compound, that doesn't have the side effects of most blood pressure medications," he explained.
Compounds like nitrites help lower blood pressure
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However, Dr Kim emphasises that current research has limitations in terms of duration.
"It is important to note that the trials were limited to a maximum of only 15 days," he pointed out.
Further research will be necessary to fully understand the long-term benefits of beetroot juice consumption.
"We do need longer and longer trials to study the long-term effects," Dr Kim added.
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