Research confirms natural blood pressure lowering effect
For many years, nutritionists have recommended vegetables and fruits as an important source of nutrition for the heart. However, a new study from the University of Exeter (UK) has highlighted the special role of beetroot. According to the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine, drinking nitrate-rich beetroot juice regularly can help the elderly lower blood pressure naturally and quickly.
The study selected 75 people, including 39 people under 30 years old and 36 people aged 60 - 70. Each participant was given nitrate-rich beetroot juice twice a day for two weeks, then compared to the period of taking a nitrate-free fake. The results showed that in the elderly, blood pressure dropped significantly after only two weeks of taking beetroot, while the younger group did not record similar changes.
In addition to lowering blood pressure, the research team also analyzed participants' oral bacteria. The results showed that beetroot juice reduces harmful bacteria Prevotella and promotes beneficial bacteria, which help convert nitrate into nitric oxide, a substance that plays an important role in dilating blood vessels.
Professor Anni Vanhatalo, University of Exeter, commented: Old people tend to produce less nitric oxide, leading to a high risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular complications. Supplementing nitrate-rich vegetables, especially beetroot, can be a natural way to improve long-term health."
Comprehensive health benefits of beetroot
Not only does beetroot help lower blood pressure, it also has many other benefits. Nutritionist Nisha, India, shared on Health Shots: Sugar beets are rich in antioxidants, especially betalain, which helps fight inflammation and protect the heart and brain. The rich fiber content also aids digestion and improves gut health."
According to her, drinking beetroot juice regularly also helps improve blood circulation, providing more oxygen effectively, thereby increasing energy and endurance. In addition, the natural detoxifying properties of beetroot help the liver eliminate toxins, contributing to improving overall health.
To easily add to your diet, beetroot can be processed in many forms: juice with carrots and apples, make salads with cucumber and lemon, process into warm soups with ginger garlic, or grilled with olive oil and herbs.
Experts recommend that the elderly should maintain two glasses of concentrated beetroot juice per day to support blood pressure. At the same time, limiting the excessive use of mouthwash is also important to retain beneficial microbiota in the mouth, the decisive factor for nitrate to be converted into nitric oxide.
