Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Inorganic nitrate found in beetroot and green leafy vegetables has been demonstrated to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors including reducing blood pressure and the stiffness of blood vessels by increasing levels of a compound called nitric oxide. Much of the research to date has focused on the large blood vessels, and little is known about the impact of inorganic nitrate on smaller blood vessels which could be related to cognitive function. The majority of beneficial effects with inorganic nitrate have been observed within young healthy populations. However, it is known that after the menopause women are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and have reduced levels of nitric oxide in their body; this could also contribute to the cognitive decline also observed post-menopause. This trial will investigate the impact of inorganic nitrate from beetroot juice on the blood flow in small blood vessels and on cognitive function in postmenopausal women. The hypothesis of the study is that the nitrate in beetroot juice will increase circulating nitric oxide that will then increase blood flow in small blood vessels and improve cognitive function.
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Change from baseline endothelial dependent microvascular function as laser Doppler imaging (LDI) with iontophoresis
Timeframe: At baseline (t= 0.5 hours) and t= 3 hours
Change from baseline endothelial independent microvascular function as laser Doppler imaging (LDI) with iontophoresis
Timeframe: At baseline (t= 0.5 hours) and t= 3 hours
Change from baseline cognitive function. Domain: Episodic memory
Timeframe: At baseline (t= 0 hours) and t=2.5 hours
Change from baseline cognitive function. Domain: Executive function 1
Timeframe: At baseline (t= 0 hours) and t=2.5 hours
Change from baseline cognitive function. Domain: Executive function 2
Timeframe: At baseline (t= 0 hours) and t=2.5 hours