Beetroot Juice May Significantly Lower Blood Pressure in Older Adults: Study

A recent study published in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine by researchers at the University of Exeter has revealed that the blood pressure–lowering effects of nitrate-rich beetroot juice in older adults may be linked to specific changes in their oral microbiome. The research compared responses between older adults and younger individuals, with previous studies already suggesting that a nitrate-rich diet can help reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease. Beetroot juice is known for its powerful cardiovascular benefits, primarily due to its high nitrate content. When consumed, nitrates are converted by the body into nitric oxide, a molecule that dilates blood vessels, improves blood flow, and lowers blood pressure. Regular intake of beetroot juice has been shown to reduce the risk of hypertension and improve overall heart health by decreasing LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation. Besides vascular benefits, beetroot juice may enhance athletic performance by increasing oxygen efficiency, allowing for longer exercise endurance. The study involved 75 participants divided into two groups: 39 younger adults under 30 years and 36 older adults in their 60s and 70s. Participants consumed a concentrated beetroot juice twice daily for two weeks and a nitrate-stripped placebo for another two weeks, with a two-week washout period in between. Using bacterial gene sequencing, researchers analyzed shifts in the oral bacteria before and after treatment. Findings showed that while both age groups experienced changes in oral microbiome composition after consuming nitrate-rich beetroot juice, these changes differed significantly. The older group saw a decrease in harmful bacteria like Prevotella and an increase in beneficial Neisseria species, which support nitrate conversion to nitric oxide—a molecule essential for maintaining healthy blood vessels and regulating blood pressure. Notably, only the older group experienced a significant reduction in blood pressure following the nitrate-rich juice consumption. Professor Anni Vanhatalo, the study’s lead author, explained, “Older adults naturally produce less nitric oxide, which contributes to higher blood pressure and cardiovascular risks. Consuming nitrate-rich vegetables like beetroot, spinach, and celery can enhance nitric oxide availability through oral bacteria interactions, offering potential long-term health benefits.”