A recent study conducted by Dr Luke Stanaway at Massey University highlights the potential health benefits of nitrate-rich beetroot juice.

His doctoral research focused on how this dietary supplement affects cardiovascular health and cognitive function, particularly in older adults.

Dr Stanaway's findings indicate that consuming beetroot juice can significantly reduce blood pressure and improve heart function.

"The findings from my thesis were overwhelmingly positive and demonstrated the potential for a nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplement to help reduce blood pressure," he said.

The research showed that older adults, who are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, experienced greater benefits from the supplement.

Dr Stanaway initially developed an interest in the health effects of beetroot juice during his undergraduate studies.

"During my undergraduate degree, I was discussing a topic for a research paper with my soon-to-be supervisor. He pointed to a small purple bottle on his filing cabinet behind me and asked ‘what about beetroot juice?’"

Despite initially finding the idea odd, he became intrigued by the potential benefits of dietary nitrates.

Dr Luke Stanaway.

His journey into this research area began after reviewing multiple studies on dietary nitrate supplementation, particularly in the form of beetroot juice.

This exploration eventually led to his doctoral research, which has shown promising results in terms of improving cardiovascular health.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Dr Stanaway is actively involved in practical applications of his research.

He co-founded the Nourish App, a nutrition and recipe platform that helps thousands of clients across the country manage their diet and health.

This venture allows him to combine his research interests with practical solutions for healthy living.

Dr Stanaway's research has gained international attention, and he is currently part of a large-scale study examining the effects of dietary nitrate supplementation on blood pressure across several Asian countries.

"Safe to say, I keep busy!" he remarked.

The study's implications suggest that incorporating beetroot juice into daily diets could be a simple yet effective way to improve cardiovascular health, especially for older adults.

As Dr Stanaway's research continues, the potential for wider applications of beetroot juice in promoting health and longevity remains promising.