Beetroot and Its Therapeutic Effects on Hypertension: A Natural Remedy for Blood Pressure Management

Abstract

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) is emerging as a functional food of wide therapeutic application for cardiovascular diseases. The review discusses its bioactive makeup, mode of action, and clinical utility in the management of hypertension and other diseases of a chronic nature. Beetroot is a rich source of dietary nitrates, which in the body are converted to nitric oxide a powerful vasodilator that enhances endothelial function, decreases arterial stiffness, and leads to substantial decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Several human trials and meta-analyses establish that regular beetroot juice intake can decrease blood pressure in normotensive, prehypertensive, and hypertensive patients. In addition to nitrates, beetroot is rich in betalains, phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, carotenoids, and other phytochemicals with high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. These phytochemicals are responsible for beetroot's promise as a protector against or attenuator of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and obesity. For example, betalains have demonstrated cytotoxicity against cancerous cells and antioxidant protective effects, whereas flavonoids and phenolics enhance glycemic management and metabolic well-being. Moreover, beetroot supplementation is also reported to support exercise performance through optimization of oxygen use and muscle efficiency, which has made it a favorite among sportsmen. Though variability in response among individuals depending upon oral microbiota and dosage has been observed, beetroot still stands as a promising non-pharmacological intervention. Nevertheless, discrepancies in study designs and findings indicate the necessity for standard protocols on dose, duration, and mode of intake (e.g., juice, powder, extract). Overall, beetroot provides a safe, low-cost, and readily available alternative to aid in the control of hypertension and enhance overall health outcomes. Further clinical studies are necessary to confirm these results and develop evidence-based guidelines for its therapeutic application in various populations.