Abstract
BackgroundBeetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a dietary source of natural antioxidants and inorganic nitrate (). It is well known that the content of antioxidant compounds and inorganic nitrate in beetroot can reduce blood pressure (BP) and the risk of adverse cardiovascular effects.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to formulate a beetroot gel to supplement dietary nitrate and antioxidant compounds able to cause beneficial health effects following acute administration.Design and subjectsA beetroot juice produced from Beta vulgaris L., without any chemical additives, was used. The juice was evaluated by physicochemical and microbiological parameters. The sample was tested in five healthy subjects (four males and one female), ingesting 100 g of beetroot gel.ResultsThe formulated gel was nitrate enriched and contained carbohydrates, fibers, saponins, and phenolic compounds. The formulated gels possess high total antioxidant activity and showed adequate rheological properties, such as high viscosity and pleasant texture. The consumer acceptance test for flavor, texture, and overall acceptability of beetroot gel flavorized with synthetic orange flavor had a sensory quality score >6.6. The effects of acute inorganic nitrate supplementation on nitric oxide production and BP of five healthy subjects were evaluated. The consumption of beetroot gel increased plasma nitrite threefold after 60 min of ingestion and decreased systolic BP (−6.2 mm Hg), diastolic BP (−5.2 mm Hg), and heart rate (−7 bpm).
Highlights
Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a dietary source of natural antioxidants and inorganic nitrate (NOÀ3 )
Apparent viscosity The beetroot gel exhibited the features of a pseudoplastic fluid, characterized by a decrease in apparent viscosity as a function of increasing shear rate (Fig. 1)
The B. cereus count was of 3 )102 CFU g(1, below the current limit of 103 CFU g(1. Taken together these results indicate that the beetroot gel was processed under satisfactory hygienic conditions as established by Brazilian legislation
Summary
Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a dietary source of natural antioxidants and inorganic nitrate (NOÀ3 ). It is well known that the content of antioxidant compounds and inorganic nitrate in beetroot can reduce blood pressure (BP) and the risk of adverse cardiovascular effects. Objective: The aim of the present study was to formulate a beetroot gel to supplement dietary nitrate and antioxidant compounds able to cause beneficial health effects following acute administration. Design and subjects: A beetroot juice produced from Beta vulgaris L., without any chemical additives, was used. The sample was tested in five healthy subjects (four males and one female), ingesting 100 g of beetroot gel. The effects of acute inorganic nitrate supplementation on nitric oxide production and BP of five healthy subjects were evaluated. The consumption of beetroot gel increased plasma nitrite threefold after 60 min of ingestion and decreased systolic BP ( (6.2 mm Hg), diastolic BP ((5.2 mm Hg), and heart rate ((7 bpm)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have