Study: Beetroot juice lowers blood pressure

2025-09-06 08:58:00, Shëndeti CNA

A new study published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine found that older adults who drank beetroot juice daily were able to lower their blood pressure naturally.

According to Women's Health, when participants consumed nitrate-rich beet juice, the bacteria in their mouths changed and their blood pressure dropped.

The greatest benefits were seen in people aged 60 to 70.

This isn't the first time beets have been linked to heart health. Previous research has shown that drinking about a cup of beet juice daily can improve blood pressure. A 2024 analysis found that people who drank beet juice daily experienced a significant drop in systolic blood pressure (the top number) for up to 90 days.

Why does beetroot juice work?

Nutritionist Sonya Angelone explains the science behind this benefit. “When you consume beets or beet juice, you ingest nitrates, which are converted to nitrites by the good bacteria in your mouth,” she says. “The nitrite-rich saliva is swallowed, where it’s converted to nitric oxide in the stomach.”

Once absorbed into the bloodstream, nitric oxide helps blood vessels relax and widen in a process called vasodilation. Maintaining healthy oral bacteria is key to this conversion. Angelone notes that eating a diet rich in nitrates from beets and leafy green vegetables supports this process, while also helping to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Why is blood pressure important?

High blood pressure, defined as higher than 120/80 by the American College of Cardiology, affects millions of Americans. If left uncontrolled, it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems. The Mayo Clinic recommends regular monitoring and lifestyle changes to help manage hypertension.

Other health benefits of beets

Beyond lowering blood pressure, beets offer a host of nutritional benefits. According to Healthline, they are rich in fiber, which supports digestion and reduces the risk of chronic diseases like colon cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Some compounds in beets may also have cancer-fighting properties, while the antioxidants in the root help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of long-term diseases./ CNA