COULD a vegetable be the key to 'beeting' vascular problems?
Queensland University of Technology researchers are investigating the effects of beetroot juice on vascular health, including blood coagulation and boosting immune cells.
Lead researcher Oliver Neubauer said the study would investigate the immediate effects of the juice in older people.
"Beetroot juice is naturally rich in nitrate and recent discoveries have shown the benefits of dietary nitrate to humans," Dr Neubauer said.
"Dietary nitrates elicit anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulative and anti-thrombotic effects, all of which are beneficial for the health of blood vessels."
It is hoped the results will provide information on lifestyle-based intervention involving beetroot juice to prevent some diseases and promote healthy ageing.
Volunteers aged between 60 and 70 are needed for the study.
Dr Neubauer is looking for men and women in a normal weight range with no evidence of acute or chronic diseases.
"They must also be non-smokers, not suffering from acute or chronic pain, and not engaged in regular exercise training," he said.
Participants will have their blood taken on two occasions over a two-week period.
"On each visit they will have blood and heart activities measured and blood collections taken at three and six hours after drinking either nitrate-rich or nitrate depleted beetroot juice."
To find out more, contact the research team on (07) 3138-6174 or email oliver.neubauer@qut.edu.au
