Beetroot juice may reduce blood pressure in older adults

A recent study published in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine suggests that daily consumption of nitrate-rich beetroot juice may help reduce blood pressure in older adults. The research, which involved 75 participants, observed that older individuals experienced a reduction in blood pressure after consuming a nitrate-rich beverage, a change not seen with a placebo.

The mechanism involves the oral microbiome. Bacteria in the mouth, such as Neisseria, help transform nitrates from the beetroot into nitrites. Once these compounds reach the stomach, they can convert into nitric oxide, a substance that promotes the relaxation and dilation of blood vessels, thereby improving blood flow and lowering pressure.