A randomized clinical trial of the effects of leafy green vegetables and inorganic nitrate on blood pressure.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with lowering of blood pressure (BP), but the nutrient(s) responsible for these effects remain unclear. Research suggests that inorganic nitrate present in leafy green vegetables is converted into NO in vivo to improve cardiovascular function.

Objective

In this study, we evaluated the effect of leafy green vegetables on BP in subjects with elevated BP, with the aim of elucidating if any such effect is related to their high nitrate content.

Design

We enrolled 243 subjects, 50-70 y old, with a clinic systolic BP (SBP) of 130-159 mm Hg. After a 2-wk run-in period on a nitrate-restricted diet the subjects were randomly assigned to receive 1 of the following 3 interventions daily for 5 wk: low-nitrate vegetables

SUBMITTER: Sundqvist ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7338722 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature