Beetroot Juice: A Natural Boost for Cardiovascular Health in Postmenopausal Women?
This study aims to explore the effects of short-term beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation on cardiovascular health in post-menopausal women. The primary focus is to determine whether BRJ, rich in nitrates that increase nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, can reduce blood pressure at rest and during exercise, as well as improve oxygen uptake during maximal exercise. Given the increased cardiovascular risk in post-menopausal women due to the loss of estrogen's protective effects, this research seeks to provide a novel, non-pharmacological intervention to enhance cardiovascular function during exercise in this population.
• Females under the age of 65
• Self-reported absence of menstrual cycle for \>1 year
• BMI \<30 kg/m2.
• Able to walk on a treadmill and cycle on a stationary bike without problems.
• Proficient in Norwegian and able to provide informed consent.