Beetroot Chewing Gum: High blood pressure remains a major health challenge for millions of people around the world today. To control blood pressure, people make changes in their diet and lifestyle along with medicines. Meanwhile, a unique combination of scientists has come to light in a new study. In this new study, researchers claim that after eating things rich in nitrates like beetroot, chewing gum containing sugar can increase the effect of reducing blood pressure for some time.

In this research, for the first time, an attempt has been made to find out how the environment created inside the mouth affects the use of nitrate in the body. The study found that chewing sugary gum after drinking beetroot juice increased the level of nitrite in the body and a slight but significant reduction in blood pressure was recorded.

What is the relation between nitrate and blood pressure?

Nitrate is found naturally in vegetables like beetroot, spinach and kale. Although the body cannot use nitrate directly, for this the bacteria present in the mouth first convert nitrate into nitrite. After nitrite is formed, it performs many important functions in the body. It helps in relaxing and widening the blood vessels, which improves blood flow and helps in reducing blood pressure.

Combination of beetroot and chewing gum will reduce BP.

According to Dr. Andrew Webb, Clinical Senior Lecturer at the School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine and Sciences, King’s College London, it is important to understand how the amount of acid in saliva affects the process of converting nitrate into the more active nitrite. In such a situation, he told that in an earlier study, his team had found that taking grapefruit juice along with beetroot juice reduced the amount of acid in saliva and slowed down the process of formation of nitrite from nitrate. On this basis, scientists decided to investigate whether the adverse effect would be seen if the amount of acid in saliva is increased.

How was the study conducted?

Some healthy people were included in this study. In which first everyone was given a shot of beetroot juice. After this they were divided into two different groups. One group was given sugar-containing chewing gum (Hubba Bubba Bubble Gum), while the other group was given sugar-free chewing gum (Wrigleys Extra) to chew. All the people chewed gum for 3 to 6 hours. During this period, researchers examined their blood and saliva and also checked their blood pressure from time to time. In which after about a week everyone was again included in the study. This time, those who had previously chewed sugary gum were given sugar-free gum and those who had previously chewed sugar-free gum were given sugary gum.

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What came out in the study?

The study revealed that the acidity in the saliva of people who chewed sugary gum increased. The pH level of their saliva dropped by 1.4 points compared to those who chewed sugar-free gum. Apart from this, the amount of nitrite in his mouth was found to be 45 percent more. The level of nitrite in the body was also recorded to be 25 percent higher. Researchers also observed that the blood pressure of people who chewed sugary gum reduced to some extent. There was a decrease of about 3 mmHg in his systolic blood pressure and about 2 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure.

Is this method a cure for high blood pressure?

Researchers have clarified that these findings do not mean that people should start chewing sugary gum regularly to control high blood pressure. The effect seen in the study lasted only for a few hours. Apart from this, eating sugary things for a long time can be harmful for dental health and metabolic health.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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