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Date of Award
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Jessica Hammerman
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers spent more than $2.88 billion on CVD research in the United States in 2023.1 While billions are spent primarily on research into pharmaceuticals, less attention is often paid to non-pharmaceutical, low-risk interventions such as dietary supplements. Beetroot juice, due to its high nitrate content, has increased in popularity due to its recent recognition as a super food which can improve cardiovascular health. When consumed, dietary nitrate is converted into nitric oxide (NO), a key regulator of vasodilation and blood flow. This article discusses recent findings about the cardiovascular benefits of beetroot juice, emphasizing its potential to lower blood pressure, enhance endothelial function, and improve lipid profiles. Patients with risk factors such as hypertension and metabolic syndrome show the most improvement in cardiovascular health. As with any intervention, healthcare providers must also consider potential risks such as increased nitrate intake and the formation of N-nitroso compounds. This review will provide healthcare providers with a balanced perspective on the role of beetroot juice as a preventive intervention for CVD.
Recommended Citation
Blasetti, Juliet, "Cardiovascular Benefits of Beetroot Juice" (2025). Capstone Showcase. 46.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2025/pa/46
Cardiovascular Benefits of Beetroot Juice
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers spent more than $2.88 billion on CVD research in the United States in 2023.1 While billions are spent primarily on research into pharmaceuticals, less attention is often paid to non-pharmaceutical, low-risk interventions such as dietary supplements. Beetroot juice, due to its high nitrate content, has increased in popularity due to its recent recognition as a super food which can improve cardiovascular health. When consumed, dietary nitrate is converted into nitric oxide (NO), a key regulator of vasodilation and blood flow. This article discusses recent findings about the cardiovascular benefits of beetroot juice, emphasizing its potential to lower blood pressure, enhance endothelial function, and improve lipid profiles. Patients with risk factors such as hypertension and metabolic syndrome show the most improvement in cardiovascular health. As with any intervention, healthcare providers must also consider potential risks such as increased nitrate intake and the formation of N-nitroso compounds. This review will provide healthcare providers with a balanced perspective on the role of beetroot juice as a preventive intervention for CVD.