Beetroot Research

HISTORY
Beetroots, (Beta Vulgaris), evolved from the wild seabeet, a native plant commonly found on the coastlines of Europe. Since the early Greek and Roman times, the root has been used for widespread medicinal purposes around the globe. Hippocrates, the ‘Father of Medicine’ used the beetroot leaves for wound dressings. The Romans used the beetroot as a form of aphrodisiac.The beetroot was then used for a number of medicinal purposes over the next few centuries as a means to promote health and wellbeing. During the Renaissance the beetroot was used to aid digestive problems. Overall, it is evident that the beetroot has served many healthful purposes over the years, and modern medicine is exacting the true benefi ts of the humble beet. Beetroot Juice is a potent natural source of Nitrate. In addition, Beetroot Juice is also high in iron, Betanin, Vitamins A and C, and high in calcium . It also contains folic acid, protein, manganese, potassium and fibre. Protein assists the supply of oxygen to cells around the body, as well as producing white cells to protect against disease. High nitrate and nitrite foods recently caught the attention of medical researchers looking at the unique properties of these foods, and their influence on our health.

IMPROVED MEMORY
A study from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina has found that a diet high in nitrates may increase cerebral blood flow. Such an increase improves performance in the parts of the brain associated with higher order functions, such as memory. The increase in blood flow was found at the part of the brain where decreases in blood flow in old age can lead to memory loss and symptoms of dementia. Increasing blood flow in the brain increases the amount of oxygen that reaches the parts responsible for mental functions such as memory. This oxygen enables the brain areas to operate effi ciently. The study compared participants on a low-nitrate and high-nitrate diets. Those on the high-nitrate diets had significant increase in blood flow in the specific areas of the brain responsible for memory problems later in life. Thus, Beetroot Juice is a protective factor in maintaining memory processes and avoiding degeneration in later adulthood. Similarly, the nitrates found in beetroot juice may serve an important role in treating diseases associated with age, such as dementia and cognitive decline. This occurs as the nitrates found in beetroot juice increase blood flow to ischemic and hypoxic areas of the brain.

BLOOD PRESSURE
Another study, published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension, has found that drinking beetroot juice causes blood nitrate levels to rise, and thus reducing blood pressure within three hours of consumption. A reduction in blood pressure is beneficial for the avoidance of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Study says nitrate-rich foods may help in heart attack survival. The high nitrate concentration of beetroots may also act as a protective factor against heart attacks. Similarly, a diet high in nitrates has been shown to speed up recoverytime after a heart attack. This evidence was found by the University of Texas Health Science Centre. The nitric oxide gas, that is formed by nitrate rich foods, opens arteries that have been clogged or closed. This has a protective function for the heart muscle as it reduces the amount of permanent damage through injury. Likewise, dietary nitrate also protects against damage from injury associated with an abrupt shortage of oxygen or blood, such as stroke of peripheral vascular disease damage.

INCREASE ENERGY AND STAMINA
In addition, beetroot juice has been found to increase energy levels by reducing the amount of oxygen required by blood vessels and muscles when completing physical tasks. This is due to the effects of beetroot on blood vessels and muscle tissues, widening blood vessels and thus allowing the oxygen available to flow through easily. These results, discovered by a team of scientists from UK University of Exeter’s School of Sport and Health was published in the Journal of Applied Physiology. The study involved men aged between 19-38 who each consumed 500ml of beetroot juice per day for 6 consecutive days. They then were asked to engage in a physical activity of cycling on an exercise bike. The men who consumed the beetroot juice were able to exercise for an average of 90 seconds longer, when compared to the placebo. In addition, this group had lower resting blood pressure. The implications of the results do not just mean longer exercise sessions, but more energy to complete everyday tasks. This means enhanced everyday functioning.

WOUNDS AND DIABETIC SKIN ULCERS
It has been shown that applications of high nitrite topical substances have been effective for healing wounds and burns. Dietary consumption of nitrite rich foods and juices, such as beetroot juice, also assist the recovery of wounds. The nitrite facilitates healing by converting nitrites into nitric oxide. These results were reported by Ferid Murad, M.D., Ph.D., 1998 Nobel Laureate for Physiology or Medicine. Clinical trials are in progress to confirm the benefi ts of nitrite for diabetic skin ulcers.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Beetroot Juice has also been reported to assist with skin problems, circulatory disorders, jaundice, anemia, increasing stamina, strengthening the body and cleaning the liver and kidneys . In addition, this juice can enhance metabolism, sexual performance, reduce insomnia and tiredness. The pigment in beetroot, Betanin, which gives it its rich purple colour, may assist in preventing cancer. Antioxidants within the pigment help guard cells from damage by free radicals. This provides protection against many diseases, such as heart disease and some cancers.

References:
1. http://www.anti-aging-4-mature-women.com/beetroot-juice.html
2. Presley TD et al. 2010. Acute effect of a high nitrate diet on brain perfusion in older adults. Nitric Oxide.
3. Kapil V, Milsom AB, Okorie M, et al. Inorganic Nitrate Supplementation Lowers Blood Pressure in Humans. Role for Nitrite-Derived NO. Hypertension 2010, published online June 28
4. Lansley KE, Winyard PG, Fulford J, et al. Dietary nitrate supplementation reduces the O2 cost of walking and running: a placebo-controlled study. Journal of Applied Physiology, 2010.
5. http://www.drgranny.com/health-nutrition/beetroot-juice%E2%80%93-beetroot-juice-benefits
6. http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/food+diet/expert+opinion/the+brilliance+of+beetroot,6997