Forget fancy supplements—your kitchen might already hold a natural blood pressure booster. New research shows that nitrate-rich beetroot juice could help older adults lower their blood pressure—and it may even work thanks to your mouth bacteria!
A study published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine tracked young adults under 30 and older adults aged 60–70 over two weeks. Participants drank either nitrate-packed beetroot juice or a nitrate-free version. The results? Older adults who sipped the nitrate-rich juice saw their blood pressure drop—and their oral bacteria balance improved, with harmful Prevotella decreasing and beneficial Neisseria rising. Those on the nitrate-free juice? No change.
So how does it work? Beetroot’s natural nitrates turn into nitric oxide in the mouth and stomach, widening blood vessels and helping blood flow more easily. Even better, the shift in mouth bacteria seems to supercharge this effect!
Food safety expert Wayne points out that natural nitrates from veggies are actually protective—don’t confuse them with the controversial nitrates in processed meats.
Professor Anni Vanhatalo from the University of Exeter explains that as we age, our bodies produce less nitric oxide, raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Adding nitrate-rich veggies like beetroot could be a simple, tasty way to support heart health.
So next time you’re looking for a heart-healthy boost, consider pouring yourself a glass of beetroot juice—it’s more than just a pretty pink drink!
