Beetroot Juice Linked to Blood Pressure Reduction in Older Adults, Promising Long-Term Health Benefits
EXETER, UK – New research from the University of Exeter suggests a concentrated beetroot juice “shot” taken twice daily for two weeks can significantly lower blood pressure in older adults, a finding that builds on prior research demonstrating the heart-health benefits of a high-nitrate diet. The study,highlighted by Good News Network,revealed this effect was not observed in a younger comparison group.
The key to the benefit appears to lie in age-related changes to the oral biome. Researchers found the beetroot juice altered the bacterial makeup in the mouths of participants over sixty, suppressing potentially harmful bacteria and increasing the presence of health-promoting bacteria like Neisseria. Specifically, the study noted a decrease in Prevotella bacteria.
This finding aligns with existing understanding of how nitrate-rich foods impact the body,offering potential protection against metabolic diseases and improving food processing efficiency,according to the national Center for Biotechnology information (NCBI).
“Encouraging older adults to consume more nitrate-rich vegetables could have meaningful long term health benefits,” stated study author Anni Vanhatalo, professor at the university of Exeter.She clarified that beetroot isn’t the only option, citing spinach, rocket, fennel, celery, and kale as viable alternatives for increasing nitrate intake.