A common vegetable has been found to help reduce blood pressure in older adults, according to a new study. Beetroot juice can lower blood pressure in people aged 60 and above by targeting certain potentially harmful bacteria in the mouth. Researchers at the University of Exeter studied how younger and older adults responded to beetroot juice, which is rich in dietary nitrates. These nitrates are converted by the body into nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes and widens blood vessels, helping to lower blood pressure.How the Study Tested Beetroot Juice on Younger and Older AdultsThe study included 39 adults under the age of 30 and 36 adults in their 60s and 70s. For two weeks, each group received shots of beetroot juice. After a two-week break, during which participants used antiseptic mouthwash daily, they were given a placebo juice without nitrates for another two weeks.Researchers analyzed the bacteria in participants’ mouths using gene sequencing. In both groups, the oral microbiome—the community of microorganisms in the mouth—changed after drinking nitrate-rich juice, though the effects were different depending on age. In older adults, there was a reduction in common bacteria that can sometimes cause infections and an increase in bacteria that support health. The older participants also showed lower blood pressure after two weeks of drinking the nitrate-rich juice.Professor Andy Jones of the University of Exeter said, “This study shows that nitrate-rich foods can change the oral microbiome in ways that may reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure in older adults. This opens the door for larger studies to examine how lifestyle factors and biological sex affect responses to dietary nitrate supplements.”Can A Person Drink Beet Juice While Taking Blood Pressure Medication?It may be possible to drink beet juice while taking blood pressure medications. However, it’s important to consult a doctor before making any changes to a treatment plan for high blood pressure.A doctor can advise whether combining beet juice with blood pressure medication could lower blood pressure too much. If this happens, a person may experience symptoms such as:Dizziness or lightheadednessBlurry visionFaintingConfusionWeakness or tirednessHeadacheBack or neck painHeart palpitationsNauseaLow blood pressure (hypotension) can be serious. If someone experiences severe symptoms that do not improve when sitting or lying down, they should seek immediate medical attention.Does Eating Beets Lower Blood Pressure?Eating beets may help reduce blood pressure, but most research has focused on beet juice rather than whole beets.Currently, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to confirm that eating beets has the same effect as drinking beet juice.If someone wants to explore dietary changes to manage their blood pressure, it’s best to consult a doctor before making adjustments.
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