Beet juice may help the body acclimate to high altitudes

TRONDHEIM, Norway, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- The human body is not made to survive at the high altitudes of mountaintops. Over time, the body adapts, and researchers found that beet juice may help speed that process up.

Normal blood vessel function is dependent on nitric oxide, or NO. Because the amount of oxygen available in the air falls at higher altitudes, it can be difficult for the body to produce enough NO -- an issue beet juice can help to correct because of high levels of nitrates in the vegetable.

"Next time you plan a trip at high altitude, maybe it is worth carrying a bottle of beet juice in your backpack," said Dr. Svein Erik Gaustad, a professor at Norwegian University of Science and Technology, in a press release. "It may be the extra boost your body needs to deliver enough oxygen to your tired muscles and keep you healthy when you are climbing a high mountain."

Researchers measured blood vessel function in 11 healthy people, before sending them up a mountain. Their blood vessels were shown to contract after spending time at the higher altitude.

In a randomized test, the researchers gave some participants juice that contained nitrates, and some received juice that did not have nitrates. Waiting 24 hours after they consumed the juices, researchers then tested their blood vessel function and found those who drank nitrate-rich juice had vessels that returned to normal. Beet juice without nitrates had no effect on blood vessels.

The study is published in the journal Nitric Oxide.