A new trial run by Maidstone Hospital could be veggie good news for lung disease patients.

The NHS Trust is hoping to harness the power of the humble beetroot in a bid to relieve symptoms and free up beds on its wards.

The hospital is leading the way in new treatment methods by offering those struggling with the debilitating effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease beetroot juice as part of their rehabilitation.

The illness, which is the UK’s third biggest killer, is most commonly caused by smoking or exposure to chemicals, dust or fumes.

Around 150 patients will be given 140ml of the juice once a week for two months in the trial, which will cost up to £400 per person.

There is some evidence to suggest that drinking beetroot juice can enhance blood oxygenation levels because of its high levels of nitrates, reducing breathlessness and fatigue.

Principal investigator for the trials and innovations lead at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Trust, Dr Syed Husain, said: “We are looking at ever more innovative, but sometimes simple ways of improving the lives of our patients with chronic respiratory illnesses.

"It is our hope that by improving the care we are able to provide, through the treatment and surroundings, we can help improve our patients’ quality of life and reduce hospital admission.”

The trial is being led by the Royal Brompton Hospital which is the largest specialist heart and lung centre in the UK.

It is one of 100 currently taking place at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals to help the NHS find new treatments.

Another includes fitting new technology in the homes of people living with allergic asthma to help filter the air they breathe while asleep.

Dr Husain added: “If these treatments are found to be useful they could end up being the standard of care for the NHS and our patients will have been the first to benefit from them.”