In a groundbreaking 12-week study conducted by researchers at Imperial College London, a daily beetroot juice supplement has demonstrated significant benefits for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The research, published in the European Respiratory Journal, investigated the effects of a nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplement on blood pressure and physical endurance in COPD patients.
Led by Professor Nicholas Hopkinson, the study involved 81 COPD patients with systolic blood pressure exceeding 130 mmHg, a range higher than the recommended 90-120 mmHg. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a 12-week course of nitrate-rich beetroot juice (70 ml daily, containing 400 mg of nitrate) or a placebo that visually and taste-wise resembled the active supplement but lacked nitrate.
The findings revealed a notable average reduction of 4.5 mmHg in systolic blood pressure among participants who consumed the nitrate-rich beetroot juice compared to those on the placebo. Additionally, individuals in the active group experienced an average increase of approximately 30 metres in the distance covered during a six-minute walk test.
Also Read: Dietary Approach to Correct Autoimmune Erectile Dysfunction, Expert Shares Tips
Professor Hopkinson remarked on the findings, noting, "Concluding the study, we observed a reduction in blood pressure among individuals consuming the nitrate-rich beetroot juice, accompanied by improved vascular flexibility. Additionally, the juice demonstrated an ability to enhance the walking distance of COPD patients in the six-minute test compared to the placebo. While these results hold promise, it is imperative to validate them through more extensive and prolonged research studies."
The study suggests that nitrate supplementation through beetroot juice may offer a potential avenue for managing blood pressure and enhancing physical performance in individuals with COPD. While the results are encouraging, further research is required to validate these findings in larger and more extended studies.