Certain Vegetables Reduce Blood Pressure in the Elderly Within Two Weeks
* The Effect of Beet Juice on Blood Pressure
A recent study revealed that consuming certain vegetables can significantly reduce blood pressure in the elderly, through their effect on oral bacteria.
The Independent reported, citing the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine, that beet juice, rich in dietary nitrates, contributes to lowering blood pressure in individuals over the age of 60.
* Comparison Between Young and Elderly
A team from the University of Exeter compared the effect of beet juice on two groups:
the first group consisted of young people under 30, and the second group included elderly individuals in their sixties and seventies.
It was found that the body converts nitrates into nitric oxide, which helps to dilate blood vessels and relax muscles, leading to a decrease in blood pressure.
* The Experiment and Oral Microbiome
During the two-week experiment, participants consumed beet juice, and after another break period during which a mouthwash was used daily, participants were given a nitrate-free placebo juice.
Gene sequencing analysis of the oral microbiome showed clear changes after consuming the juice, as harmful bacteria decreased in the elderly, while beneficial bacteria for oral and body health increased.
* Scientists' Clarification of Benefits
Professor Andy Jones from the University of Exeter explained that this study demonstrates the ability of nitrate-rich foods to modify the oral microbiome, reduce inflammation, and lower blood pressure in the elderly, pointing to the importance of conducting broader studies to understand the impact of lifestyle factors and biological sex on the body's response to dietary nitrates.
* The Effect of Nitrates on the Elderly
Professor Annie Vanhatalo also confirmed that elderly individuals produce less nitric oxide as they age, making them more susceptible to high blood pressure and its complications such as heart disease and strokes.
* Alternatives to Beets
If beets are not preferred by some, there are other nitrate-rich alternatives such as spinach, arugula, fennel, celery, and cabbage, which can provide the same health benefits.
* Experts' Recommendation
For his part, Dr. Lee Penniston, the assistant director for industrial partnerships and research at the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), said:
"This study reveals the complex links between diet, the microbiome, and healthy aging, and opens new avenues for improving vascular health through nutrition."
