Health & Lifestyle

The portions of goodness that aid healthy ageing, by CAMILLA FOSTER

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WE all know that we should be eating our five-a-day, but did you know that drinking beetroot juice could be particularly beneficial for healthy ageing?

Findings from a new study, published in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine, suggests that beetroot juice helps lower blood pressure in older people by suppressing potentially harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Researchers from The University of Exeter compared the responses of 39 younger adults (under the age of 30) and 36 older adults (in their 60s and 70s) to beetroot juice, which is rich in dietary nitrates.

In older people, there was a decline in common bacteria that can cause infections, and an increase in bacteria that benefits health.

Researchers also found the older group had decreased blood pressure after drinking the nitrate-rich juice for two weeks.

Here dietitians highlight what other superfoods could boost health...

1. YOGHURT

A few spoonfuls of yoghurt a day could help keep your muscles and bones strong.