A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension suggests beetroot juice can be used to lower high blood pressure.

Researchers gave either inorganic nitrate capsules or beetroot juice to healthy volunteers, and compared their blood pressure responses and the biochemical changes occurring in their circulation.

"We showed that beetroot and nitrate capsules are equally effective in lowering blood pressure indicating that it is the nitrate content of beetroot juice that underlies its potential to reduce blood pressure," said study author Amrita Ahluwalia. "We also found that only a small amount of juice is needed – just 250ml – to have this effect, and that the higher the blood pressure at the start of the study, the greater the decrease caused by the nitrate."

Beetroot juice is available in natural food stores. Individuals can make their own as well. However, experts say it is very potent and should be diluted at least four times with other juices, such as carrot, apple, cucumber or celery.

According to the American Heart Association, hypertension increases the risk for heart attack, angina, stroke, kidney failure and peripheral artery disease. In addition to lifestyle changes like weight loss and exercise, supplements containing potassium, calcium, fish oil, magnesium and garlic may help prevent it.