The Beet Goes On: A Natural Boost for Aging Blood Vessels

The Beet Goes On: A Natural Boost for Aging Blood Vessels

Once a humble root, beetroot has been elevated to “superfood” status, offering not only nutrition but a “food as medicine” boost. A new study lends credence to the health claim, at least for older adults, by showing how beet juice may regulate blood pressure through nitric oxide production, with a “little help from our friends.”

Why beetroot juice could help lower blood pressure in older adults

Drinking beetroot juice could help lower blood pressure in older adults by changing the bacteria in their mouths, according to a new study from the University of Exeter. This research is the largest of its kind and shows how diet may play an important role in heart health through its effects on the oral microbiome—the […] The post Why beetroot juice could help lower blood pressure in older adults appeared first on Knowridge Science Report.

Why only older adults can naturally unlock the vascular power of beets

Beet juice has been praised for its blood-pressure-lowering benefits, but new research suggests those benefits may also depend on your age – and your mouth. Scientists have discovered that the bacteria on your tongue play a critical role in whether dietary nitrate from beets is successfully converted into nitric oxide, a molecule that improves circulation, heart function and exercise performance. But the benefits were very different between olde…