Beetroot Juice May Help Lower Blood Pressure in Older Adults, Study Suggests
A new study led by researchers at the University of Exeter suggests that drinking nitrate-rich beetroot juice may help older adults lower their blood pressure. The research, published in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine, found that the juice altered the oral microbiome composition in older participants, reducing inflammation and improving vascular health.
The study involved splitting 75 participants into two groups: one consumed beetroot juice shots daily, while the other received a placebo. Both younger and older adults were included, with older participants showing a notable decrease in blood pressure after consuming the juice. Researchers used bacterial gene sequencing to analyze changes in the oral microbiome before and after the treatment.
Older adults who drank the nitrate-rich juice had fewer bacteria called Prevotella, which is associated with inflammation, and more beneficial bacteria like Neisseria. Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News’ senior medical analyst, explained that nitrates help lower blood pressure by improving vessel flexibility and reducing resistance. He also noted that the body converts nitrates to nitric oxide, a key molecule for vascular health.
Co-author Andy Jones of the University of Exeter emphasized that the study demonstrates how dietary nitrates can influence the oral microbiome, potentially reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure in older adults. Lee Beniston, an associate director at the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, praised the research for shedding light on the connections between diet, microbiome, and aging.
While the study provides promising insights, both researchers highlighted the need for further research and cautioned against making dietary changes without consulting medical professionals, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or taking medication.