Since it was a small study the researchers say the chemical's blood-pressure-lowering effects merit further study.
Level of Evidence
3b - Individual Case-Control Study
Key Points of this article
Short-term nitrate supplementation in a group of 17 healthy, non-smoking young adults was studied
Nitrates are found in vegetables like spinach and lettuce
Main results
The results showed that average diastolic blood pressure was lower after three days of nitrate supplementation than it was after taking the placebo for three days.
By IANS, [RxPG] London, Dec 28 - Nitrates, a chemical found in vegetables like spinach and lettuce, may be responsible for keeping blood vessels healthy, says a new study.
Past studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce blood pressure.
But it has been difficult to determine exactly which nutrients in fruits and vegetables are responsible for these blood-pressure-lowering effects.
Scientists at the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences examined the effects of short-term nitrate supplementation in a group of 17 healthy, non-smoking young adults.
Each participant rotated between taking a daily dose of nitrate supplement equivalent to the amount normally found in 150 to 250 gm of a nitrate-rich vegetable -- such as spinach, lettuce, or beetroot -- for three days, and taking a placebo for a different three days.
The results showed that average diastolic blood pressure was lower after three days of nitrate supplementation than it was after taking the placebo for three days.
The researchers claimed to have found nitrates in vegetables like spinach and lettuce, which they say may be Mother Nature's way of keeping blood pressure in check.
Since it was a small study the researchers say the chemical's blood-pressure-lowering effects merit further study.
The report has not mentioned the names of the researchers involved in the study.
This news story has been reviewed by Dr. Sanjukta Acharya before its publication on RxPG News website. Dr. Sanjukta Acharya, MBBS is the chief editor for RxPG News website. She oversees all the medical news submissions and manages the medicine section of the website. She has a special interest in diabetes and endocrinology.
RxPG News is committed to promotion and implementation of Evidence Based Medical Journalism in all channels of mass media including internet.
Additional information about the news article
The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (formerly Stockholm University College of Physical Education and Sports) was founded in 1813 by Pehr Henrik Ling, which makes it the oldest University College in the world within its field.
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