Inorganic nitrates found in beet juice are converted to nitric oxide, a vasodilator. In a randomized, double-blind trial, researchers fed subjects 250 mL beet juice or beet juice with the nitrates removed (placebo) daily for 4 weeks. Those getting the regular beet juice saw their mean systolic and diastolic BPs significantly reduced. No changes were observed in the placebo group. Longer studies are needed to demonstrate long-term benefits.
PositiveTip: Eating beet juice or soup may be a natural way to help control hypertension.