Beetroot juice found to lower blood pressure in older adults: Researchers say

Beetroot juice supports healthy blood pressure in older adults by boosting nitric oxide production.(Image: Pexels)

The University of Exeter has recently published new research showing a daily intake of beetroot juice may lower blood pressure in elderly people. According to the investigation, the dietary nitrates found in beetroot are converted to nitric oxide in the body, which is a molecule that opens blood vessels and helps the circulation of the blood—this effect is mostly for people over the age of 60.

The research consisted of 75 healthy volunteers split into the group of younger adults under 30 and the group of older adults over 60. Over several weeks, all participants consumed beetroot juice rich in nitrates. Scientists noticed blood pressure reductions in the older group only. Thus, it is probable that the age factor has a vital role in the human body reaction to dietary nitrates.

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One of the things the researchers were most interested in was the bacteria in the mouth. In particular, the body needs good bacteria in the mouth that convert nitrates from food into nitric oxide. The study discovered that in older adults, consumption of beetroot juice changed the mix of oral bacteria, as the good bacteria increased and the bad ones, which are related to inflammation, went down. The participants who used antiseptic mouthwash had the blood pressure saving effect come to an end, corroborating the idea that the oral microbiome is the key player in blood pressure reduction.

Professor Andy Jones, head of the research team, said that the production of nitric oxide in the body decreases naturally with age, leading to higher blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. The results show that people may be able to use vegetables with high nitrate content such as beetroot to delay the decline of the body nitric oxide production and so keep the blood vessels healthy.

Professor Anni Vanhatalo, who was also involved in the research, noted that other greens such as spinach could also be a source of nitrates like beetroot and might provide similar benefits to the heart.

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Considering the fact that many elderly people all over the globe suffer from hypertension, the discovery of the simple, diet-related ways of promoting a healthy old age by lower cardiovascular risks then comes close by, without the sole reliance on medication.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis