The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether hydroponic spinach (HS) versus conventional spinach (CS) smoothies produce differential post-consumption effects on salivary nitrate availability and blood pressure in adults.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Do hydroponic spinach (HS) and conventional spinach (CS) smoothies produce differential post-consumption salivary nitrate availability responses in adults when consumed in equal volumes? Do hydroponic spinach (HS) and conventional spinach (CS) smoothies produce differential post-consumption blood pressure responses in adults when consumed in equal volumes?
Participants will:
Consume hydroponic spinach (HS) and conventional spinach (CS) smoothies on two separate study days.
Attend two laboratory visits at the university, scheduled within a 1-2 week period.
Undergo check-ups and study measurements during each visit (e.g., blood pressure and saliva sampling).
Adults aged 18-60 years
Generally healthy individuals (no diagnosed chronic disease)
Non-smokers and non-vapers
Not currently taking medications known to affect cardiovascular function or nitrate metabolism
Presence of chronic disease (e.g., cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, or respiratory conditions)
Use of pacemakers or implanted medical devices
Pregnant or lactating individuals
Known allergy or intolerance to spinach
Crossover
Hydroponic spinach smoothie
Other interventionStandardized smoothie prepared with hydroponically grown spinach, matched for volume and appearance.
Conventional spinach smoothie
Other interventionStandardized smoothie prepared with conventionally grown spinach, matched for volume and appearance.
Salivary nitrate concentration
Salivary nitrate levels assessed at baseline and 2 hours post-consumption as a marker of nitrate bioavailability.
Systolic blood pressure
Systolic blood pressure measured at baseline and 2 hours after consumption of hydroponic and conventional spinach smoothies.
Diastolic blood pressure
Diastolic blood pressure measured at baseline and 2 hours after consumption of hydroponic and conventional spinach smoothies.
Mean arterial pressure
Mean arterial pressure measured at baseline and 2 hours post-consumption.
Heart rate
Heart rate measured at baseline and 2 hours post-consumption.
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