Effects of Beetroot Extract Consumption on Health Outcomes and Labour Productivity, Amongst Workers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Peace Chibuogwu Ugama
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria.
Joachin Chetachi Uchegbulam
*
Department of Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background and Aim: This study investigated the impact of beetroot (Beta vulgaris) extract on the fasting plasma glucose, and lipid profiles of healthy adults in Abakaliki, Nigeria. Cardiovascular diseases, driven by risk factors like hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity, remain a leading cause of global mortality. Despite the known benefits of beetroot, its utilization as a natural alternative therapy remains under-explored in developing countries, especially in Southeast Nigeria. The study aimed to evaluate benefits of beetroot in managing non-communicable diseases, and the implications on work force.
Methodology: A longitudinal study was conducted, which involved 50 healthy participants (aged 18–50 years), who live and work in Abakaliki metropolis. Participants were administered 250ml of crude beetroot extract daily for eight days. Baseline data (Day 1) and follow-up data (Day 4 and Day 8) were collected, such as weight, blood pressure, FBG, and also lipid profile parameters. Biochemical analysis was performed using enzymatic methods. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 21, ANOVA and post-hoc tests were also employed, with significance set at p=.05.
Results: The administration of beetroot extract led to a significant reduction in Systolic Blood Pressure (119.32±19.10 to 109.06±16.11 mmHg; p=.020), Diastolic Blood Pressure (82.50±9.62 to 76.36±7.17 mmHg; p=.001), Body Weight (67.18±10.59 to 61.52±10.22 kg; p=.026). TChol and LDL decreased significantly (p=.001 and p=.000, respectively), while HDL significantly increased (1.34±0.41 to 1.63±0.27 mmol/L; p=.000). No significant changes were observed in FBG (p=.951) or Triglycerides (p=.126).
Conclusion: The study concludes that short-term consumption of beetroot extract does effectively improve cardiovascular health markers, by lowering blood pressure and optimizing lipid profiles. Hence, the study recommended that healthcare professionals and policy-makers should promote the integration of beetroot extract, into the health care benefits provided by both government and employers, as an affordable and natural strategy for preventing and managing cardiovascular diseases, and enhance work force resilience.
Keywords: Beta vulgaris, cardiovascular diseases, fasting plasma glucose, health outcomes, labour productivity, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria