Beetroot Juice Helps Control Blood Pressure and Improves Heart Health: Study
Islamabad (Khyber Report) A new medical study has found that drinking a glass of beetroot juice daily can significantly help improve heart health and control blood pressure levels.
The research conducted by the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom revealed that nitrate-rich beetroot juice has stronger-than-expected benefits for cardiovascular health, particularly among older adults.
According to the study, beetroot juice causes changes in the bacteria present in the mouth, which leads to a reduction in blood pressure levels. The effect was more pronounced in elderly participants.
The clinical trial included 39 participants under the age of 30 and 36 individuals between the ages of 60 and 80. Participants were divided into two phases over two-week periods. In one phase, they were given nitrate-rich beetroot juice, while in the other, they were given a placebo version.
Researchers conducted genome sequencing of oral bacteria before and after the trial to analyze changes. Results showed that beetroot juice altered the composition of oral bacteria, especially in older participants.
The study found a decrease in harmful bacteria and an increase in beneficial bacteria among those who consumed beetroot juice. Participants with higher initial blood pressure levels experienced a noticeable reduction after regular consumption.
Researchers explained that dietary nitrate, naturally found in vegetables like beetroot, spinach, fennel, and lettuce, plays an important role in producing nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide helps regulate blood pressure and supports overall cardiovascular health.
A separate study from Queen Mary University of London (June 2022) also suggested that beetroot juice may help reduce chronic inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease and improve blood vessel function.
Scientists concluded that regular consumption of nitrate-rich foods such as beetroot juice may offer significant benefits for heart health and could help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
