Beetroot is known for its health benefits. It originated in Roman times and was popular to cure fever, wounds, constipation and skin problems. Beetroot juice had proven effective to decrease severe health ailments risks such as high blood pressure and dementia. A research study in 2010 found a particular substance (nitrate) that contribute to reduce blood pressure level and treat some heart illnesses.
An experiment was conducted in Queen Mary University, London which was aimed to see the connection between beet juice and blood pressure level. Participants were asked to consume a glass of beet juice and some to take nitrate tablets. Those who drink the healthy beverage found to have lower blood pressure which was the same benefit received by those who took nitrate tablets. Hence, researchers found the nutritious drink to be a substitute to nitrate tablet it maintaining the right level of one's blood pressure. A recent study also found that beet juice is also good for preserving healthy teeth.
Researchers discovered that the nitrate found in beet juice is not only beneficial for treating high blood pressure but also in preventing tooth decays. This can be done by translating nitrate to nitric oxide.
Tooth decay is often caused by sugar. Bacteria use sugar as a glue to stick them together on one's tooth which later on turns to be a plaque, causing tooth decay. A study done by students from University of Applied Sciences in Upper Austria discovered how beet juice can impede the growth of the tooth decay causing bacteria. 50 participants were tested. 25 students were asked to drink nitrate-free juice.
The remaining 25 were provided nitrate-rich beet juice, called Bio Drachen Trank. The students who led the study found that the participants who consumed beetroot juice had lower level of acid and bacteria in their saliva. "We resolved that frequently immoderate a beetroot extract provides adequate nitrite to control an expansion of lactic poison bacteria," explained Dr. Otmar Höglinger.
Bio Drachen Trank, known as "Organic Dragon Potion" is made up of aronia berry (chokeberry) and calcium to build stronger teeth.