The compound called nitrate found in beet juice can stop the proliferation of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Scientists from the University of the West of Scotland came to this conclusion. Research results published In the journal PLOS One.
In their study, the researchers focused on examining the oral health of athletes, who are prone to developing gum disease due to high levels of sugar consumption (many use energy gels during training, which are almost always pure sugar).
To test whether beet juice, which contains a compound called nitrate, could protect athletes’ teeth and gums from the harmful effects of sugar, scientists instructed subjects to drink the juice after drinking energy gels.
The results showed that drinking beet juice once and for several hours increased the pH (acidity) of the saliva produced. This effect has been associated with a reduction in the negative effects of carbohydrates in energy gels on gums and teeth. The fact is that nitrates (compounds of nitrogen and oxygen) are able to suppress the growth of harmful bacteria in the oral cavity, where sugar is the nutrient. Industrial mouth rinses have a similar mechanism of action.
Previously was named Unexpected beneficial properties of tomato juice.