This is what I said last September :-

• Beetroot – the “ Mail Online “ didn’t have space to mention that the studies quoted were on 18 volunteers ( beetroot ) and 14 volunteers ( bread with added beetroot ) – all males with normal blood pressure to start with. The “ Mail “ also didn’t say that the research workers themselves remind us of the benefits to health of eating adequate amounts of fruit and vegetables, one of which is preventing hypertension developing in the first place.



The recent study reported in “ Hypertension “ journal involved only 15 paid volunteers with systolic blood pressure between 140-159 mmHg ; no " other medical complications " ; and not taking blood pressure medication. They drank 250 ml ( about 8 oz ) of beetroot juice or water containing a “ low amount “ of nitrate and their blood pressure was monitored for 24 hours - both systolic and diastolic fell by about 10 mmHg.

My blood pressure ? 120/70 without beetroot ( don't like the taste ) or medication !


Eating more fruit, and vegetables rich in nitrate and other nutrients, is just ONE of several lifestyle choices which could help prevent hypertension and its consequences – even if “ five portions of fruit and veg a day “ advice in the UK has proved unrealistic for many people !