A new study has found that drinking beetroot juice may help reduce blood pressure in older adults, thanks to its high content of naturally occurring nitrates, which play a vital role in regulating blood pressure.
The research, conducted by the University of Exeter in the UK, involved two groups: 39 participants under the age of 30 and 36 participants between the ages of 60 and 70. Both groups consumed either nitrate-rich beetroot juice or a placebo version with the nitrate removed for a period of two weeks.
Impact on Oral Bacteria
The findings revealed that nitrate-rich juice significantly altered the composition of oral bacteria, though in different ways depending on age. In older adults, levels of Prevotella bacteria decreased, while beneficial bacteria such as Neisseria increased. This shift was accompanied by a drop in blood pressure among the older participants, whose baseline levels were higher compared to the younger group. No such effect was observed with the placebo juice.
Researchers concluded that nitrate-rich foods may influence the oral microbiome in a way that reduces inflammation and supports lower blood pressure in older adults.
The Role of Nitric Oxide
The study also highlighted the importance of nitrates for overall health. Beneficial oral bacteria convert nitrates into nitric oxide, a molecule essential for healthy blood vessel function and blood pressure regulation.
Beyond beetroot, other nitrate-rich vegetables include spinach, arugula, fennel, celery, and cabbage.
