The vegetable that can lower blood pressure in over 60s
Why over-60s should be drinking more beetroot juice
- A new study from the University of Exeter suggests that beetroot juice can lower blood pressure in individuals aged 60 and above.
- The research indicates that dietary nitrates in beetroot juice alter the oral microbiome, suppressing potentially harmful bacteria and increasing beneficial ones.
- This process leads to the conversion of nitrates into nitric oxide, which helps relax and widen blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure.
- The two-week study involved participants drinking nitrate-rich beetroot juice, with older adults showing a decrease in blood pressure and beneficial changes to their oral bacteria.
- Experts highlight that encouraging older adults to consume more nitrate-rich vegetables, such as spinach, rocket, or kale, could offer significant long-term health benefits.