Older adults who drank beetroot juice before engaging in moderate exercises exhibited greater brain connectivity in the areas associated with motor function comparable to those found in younger adults.
26 participants aged 55+ with high blood pressure were enrolled in this study, none of whom exercised on a regular basis and were all taking up to 2 medications to lower blood pressure levels. Subjects engaged in 50 minutes of moderate exercises on a treadmill 3 times a week for 6 weeks, half were given beetroot juice supplements containing 560mg of nitrate an hour before each exercise session; after 6 weeks brain functions of all subjects was measured using an MRI.
Adults in the beetroot group exhibited a significantly stronger somatomotor cortex, and showed greater connectivity between the somatomotor and insular cortex that was typical among brains of younger adults. The researchers hypothesize the somatomotor cortex receives and processes signals from the muscles, exercise strengthens this process, the nitrates in beetroot juice helps to further improve this due to nitrates converting to nitric oxide helping to deliver more oxygen to the brain. Researchers say that further studies are required particularly in terms of gathering a larger sampling size to assess the benefits of beetroot juice and brain health.
Beetroot is a source of betalians phytonutrients that have extremely powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification properties which can help to lower blood pressure, improve sexual performance, and help to fight inflammation, among other benefits packed in this majestic royal purple food with numerous health benefits.
