Chewing sugary bubble gum after consuming vegetables high in nitrates, such as beetroot, spinach, or kale, may amplify the blood pressure-lowering effects of these foods, a study suggests. This process could offer a short-term boost to cardiovascular health by improving blood flow and muscle energy production.
Nitrate-rich vegetables trigger a natural process in the body that widens blood vessels. For this effect to be fully realized, bacteria in the mouth must convert nitrates into nitrites. Researchers from King's College London and the University of Reading investigated methods to enhance this conversion. Their findings indicated that sugary chewing gum played a role in this process.
In a trial involving 14 volunteers, participants consumed a shot of beetroot juice and then chewed either sugary Hubba Bubba gum or sugar-free Wrigley's Extra for several hours. The results showed that chewing sugary gum after drinking beetroot juice led to a significant increase in nitrite levels in the mouth and blood, approximately 45 percent and 25 percent, respectively. This increase in nitrites was associated with a short-term drop in blood pressure by about two percent.
The study, published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, involved participants drinking 70ml of beetroot juice and then chewing gum every 30 minutes for three to six hours. Blood pressure and nitrite levels were monitored throughout this period.
Researchers noted that sugar-free gum did not produce the same effects. They also highlighted that gum is effective because it remains in the mouth for an extended duration, allowing more time for the nitrate-to-nitrite conversion facilitated by saliva.
Dr. Andrew Webb, a cardiovascular expert at King's College London, explained that the team hypothesized that increasing saliva acidity might enhance the conversion process, contrasting with previous findings where grapefruit juice decreased acidity and inhibited the conversion.
While the short-term effects were observed, the researchers cautioned against regular consumption of sugary products due to potential negative impacts on dental health and overall cardiometabolic health when consumed in excess. "We are certainly not suggesting that people should start chewing sugary gum regularly," stated Dr. Charlotte Mills from the University of Reading.
However, the study's findings are seen as a proof of concept for potentially improving the body's processing of dietary nitrates. The research team believes this could inform future strategies for developing tooth-friendly and metabolically sound approaches to harness the cardiovascular benefits of nitrate-rich foods. The challenge moving forward is to identify alternative methods that are both effective and suitable for long-term use.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects a significant portion of the adult population, and its prevalence is increasing. This condition places strain on arteries over time, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The current findings offer a potential avenue for further research into managing blood pressure through dietary interventions.