Physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory analyses of a nitrate-enriched beetroot gel and its effects on plasmatic nitric oxide and blood pressure

Background: Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a dietary source of natural antioxidants and inorganic nitrate (NO3–). 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 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. Results: The 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)