"Just Two Glasses a Day Dramatically Lowered Blood Pressure... The Juice That Controlled Seniors’ Blood Pressure in Two Weeks"

Significant Blood Pressure Reduction Observed Only in Older Adults
Changes in Oral Microbiota as a Key Factor

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A study has found that consistent consumption of beetroot juice significantly lowered blood pressure in older adults. Beyond simple nutritional effects, the possibility was raised that changes in oral microbiota may have influenced vascular health.

Beetroot Juice Dramatically Lowers Blood Pressure... The Key Lies in Unexpectedly 'Oral Bacteria'

According to Science Daily on May 26, researchers at the University of Exeter in the UK reported in the international journal 'Free Radical Biology and Medicine' that beetroot juice, rich in nitrates, altered the oral microbial environment and blood pressure of older adults.

The researchers conducted experiments with 39 adults under the age of 30 and 36 adults in their 60s and 70s. Participants consumed beetroot juice twice daily for two weeks, then took part in a comparative trial by drinking a beverage with nitrates removed. There was a two-week washout period between each phase.

As a result, both younger and older participants experienced changes in their oral bacterial composition, but a significant reduction in blood pressure was observed only among older adults. In particular, the older group showed a decrease in Prevotella bacteria and an increase in Neisseria bacteria, which are associated with better health.

The research team focused on the process by which oral bacteria convert nitrates into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. Since the ability to generate this substance declines with age, the researchers explained that beetroot juice may help compensate for this decline by altering the oral microbiome.

Professor Annie Vanhatalo, who led the study, stated, "A diet rich in nitrates is known to offer health benefits," adding, "For older adults, the ability to generate nitric oxide tends to diminish with age, so dietary management becomes important." She also noted that for those who do not prefer beets, alternatives such as spinach, arugula, kale, and celery can be considered.

"Does Using Mouthwash Too Often Raise Blood Pressure?"

Follow-up research has suggested that mouthwashes with strong antibacterial agents could potentially affect this process. Some studies have found that certain mouthwashes are linked to a decrease in nitric oxide production, indicating that excessive use may actually be detrimental to blood pressure management.

However, the researchers emphasized that beetroot juice cannot replace antihypertensive medications. Instead, they explained that a diet rich in nitrates can serve as a healthy lifestyle habit to support vascular health in older adults.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.