Khaberni - A recent British study found that combining gum and beets (beetroots) can contribute to lowering blood pressure and helping to protect the heart.
Scientists discovered this unexpected effect while testing methods aimed at increasing the health benefits of nitrate-rich vegetables.
These compounds are found in vegetables like beets, spinach, and kale (kale).
The body uses nitrates to help relax and dilate blood vessels, which improves circulation. This is done by converting nitrates to nitrites with the help of bacteria found in the mouth.
Researchers at King's College London found that this conversion process becomes faster when sugar is also present in the mouth, as it increases the acidity of the saliva.
The researchers noted that gum is more effective than candy or soft drinks in this context; because it remains in the mouth for a longer period.
Results of a trial conducted on 14 people showed that chewing gum containing sugar after drinking beet juice led to a significant increase in nitrite levels, enhancing the health effects of nitrate-rich vegetables.
In contrast, sugar-free gum did not achieve the same effect.
Study author Dr. Andrew Webb said: "We had previously found that combining grapefruit juice and beet juice reduces the acidity of the saliva and slows the process of converting nitrates to nitrites inside the mouth."
He added: "So we tested whether raising the acidity of the saliva would enhance this process."
He explained that the effects were short-lived and lasted only a few hours, and that long-term use of sugar-containing products is not advisable for dental health.
He continued: "However, mimicking the consumption of candy after the main meal may temporarily enhance the blood pressure-lowering effect."
During the study, published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, participants consumed 70 milliliters of beet juice, then chewed gum for a period ranging from 3 to 6 hours, replacing it with a new piece every 30 minutes.
The participants underwent blood pressure and nitrite level measurements over six hours.
The results showed that chewing gum increased nitrite levels by 25% in the blood and 45% in the mouth.
Blood pressure also dropped by an average ranging between 1.9 and 2.7 mm Hg, which is about 2% of the normal blood pressure reading.
Dr. Webb emphasized that the effect is limited and this method cannot be relied upon as a substitute for medications used to treat high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is among the factors that increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and dementia.
