Scientists Find Drinking This Juice Lowers Blood Pressure in as Little as 2 Weeks
AOL.com••health
Key Points:
- A small randomized study found that drinking nitrate-rich beetroot juice twice daily lowered blood pressure in older adults aged 67 to 79, but not in younger adults aged 18 to 30.
- The blood pressure reduction is linked to changes in the oral microbiome, where certain bacteria convert dietary nitrates from beet juice into nitric oxide, a compound that helps relax blood vessels.
- Participants who used mouthwash, which can alter oral bacteria, did not experience the same benefits, highlighting the role of oral bacteria in nitrate metabolism and blood pressure regulation.
- Experts caution that while beet juice may support heart health as part of a balanced lifestyle, it should not replace other proven strategies like diet, exercise, and medication when necessary.
