Beetroot juice lowers blood pressure in elderly

  

Beetroot juice lowers blood pressure in older people by changing oral microbiome, study 

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The blood pressure-lowering effect of nitrate-rich beetroot juice in older people may be due to specific changes in their oral microbiome, according to the largest study of its kind.

Researchers at the University of Exeter conducted the study, published in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine, comparing responses between a group of older adults to that of younger adults. Previous research has shown that a high nitrate diet can reduce blood pressure, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease. The paper is titled "Ageing modifies the oral microbiome, nitric oxide bioavailability and vascular responses to dietary nitrate supplementation."

Nitrate is crucial to the body and is consumed as a natural part of a vegetable-rich diet. When the older adults drank a concentrated beetroot juice shot twice a day for two weeks, their blood pressure decreased—an effect not seen in the younger group.

The new study provides evidence that this outcome was likely caused by the suppression of potentially harmful bacteria in the mouth.

An imbalance between beneficial and harmful oral bacteria can decrease the conversion of nitrate (abundant in vegetable-rich diets) to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is key to healthy functioning of the blood vessels, and therefore the regulation of blood pressure.

Study author Professor Anni Vanhatalo, of the University of Exeter, said, "We know that a nitrate-rich diet has health benefits, and older people produce less of their own nitric oxide as they age. They also tend to have higher blood pressure, which can be linked to cardiovascular complications like heart attack and stroke

"Encouraging older adults to consume more nitrate-rich vegetables could have significant long-term health benefits. The good news is that if you don't like beetroot, there are many nitrate-rich alternatives, like spinach, arugula, fennel, celery and kale."

The study recruited 39 adults aged under 30, and 36 adults in their 60s and 70s through the NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility. The trial was supported by the Exeter Clinical Trials Unit.

Each group spent two weeks taking regular doses of nitrate-rich beetroot juice and two weeks on a placebo version of the juice with nitrate stripped out. Each condition had a two-week "wash out" period in between to reset. The team then used a bacterial gene sequencing method to analyze which bacteria were present in the mouth before and after each condition.

In both groups, the make-up of the oral microbiome changed significantly after drinking the nitrate-rich beetroot juice, but these changes differed between the younger and older age groups.

The older age group experienced a notable decrease in the mouth bacteria Prevotella after drinking the nitrate-rich juice, and an increase in the growth of bacteria known to benefit health, such as Neisseria. The older group had higher average blood pressure at the start of the study, which fell after taking the nitrate-rich beetroot juice, but not after taking the placebo supplement.

Co-author Professor Andy Jones, of the University of Exeter, said, "This study shows that nitrate-rich foods alter the oral microbiome in a way that could result in less inflammation, as well as a lowering of blood pressure in older people. This paves the way for larger studies to explore the influence of lifestyle factors and biological sex in how people respond to dietary nitrate supplementation."

Dr. Lee Beniston FRSB, Associate Director for Industry Partnerships and Collaborative Research and Development at BBSRC, said, "This research is a great example of how bioscience can help us better understand the complex links between diet, the microbiome and healthy aging.

"By uncovering how dietary nitrate affects oral bacteria and blood pressure in older adults, the study opens up new opportunities for improving vascular health through nutrition. BBSRC is proud to have supported this innovative partnership between academic researchers and industry to advance knowledge with real-world benefits."

More information: Anni Vanhatalo et al, Ageing modifies the oral microbiome, nitric oxide bioavailability and vascular responses to dietary nitrate supplementation, Free Radical Biology and Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2025.07.002

Journal information: Free Radical Biology and Medicine 

Provided by University of Exeter 

Domino effect when calls go unanswered

 

Government agencies urgently need to dial up responsiveness when serving the public

RECENTLY, I had to sort out a matter at the National Registration Department (JPN).

I took a day off work and drove to UTC Seremban in Negri Sembilan, where it took a bit of time to find parking.

Upon reaching the service counter, I discovered that the system was down and was told to return the following day.

When I asked how to check whether the system would be operational before making another trip, I was given a phone number to call.

Fair enough, except no one answered the phone despite my repeated attempts at calling the next day.

At around 3pm, I rang the state JPN headquarters to lodge a complaint.

The officer who took my call assured me that they would look into the matter.

About 10 minutes later, the officer called back and told me to go to UTC Seremban again and proceed directly to a specific officer, with no need to queue.

I went the next day and at the end of the process, the officer at the counter asked if I could leave positive feedback for the fast service I had received that day.

I explained that while the final step had been swift, it had taken me three days to resolve an issue that should have taken less than two hours.

There had been no effort by the branch to inform the public of the system failure.

having people show up at the counter only to be turned away, is simply poor practice.

I offered to write constructive feedback on how the department could improve its communication, but I was not given the relevant form.

This was not an isolated incident with a government agency.

Recently, I needed to speak to an officer from a national research institute regarding a news story I was working on.

I called the number listed on their website at various times over the course of several days.

Not once did anyone pick up. There was no alternative number, no automated message, just ringing until it stopped.

Frustrated and with no other option, I visited in person.

Again, more time spent, more resources used, when a simple phone call should have sufficed.

I shared my frustrations with an employee manning the front desk.

out of curiosity, I dialled the number in front of him but the phone on that desk did not ring.

When I asked for the number that connected to the front desk, he said he did not know as he was just sitting in temporarily.

Before leaving, I told the officers how inconvenient it was for the public when phones went unanswered and no other way was given to reach them.

The office is in Kuala Lumpur, which isn’t far from where I work in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

But what if someone from Johor or Penang wanted to get in touch?

When dealing with government agencies, we often have to take leave from work, travel long distances, arrange childcare and cancel meetings, only to discover that our arrangements had been all for nothing.

This lack of responsiveness not only wastes our time, but also reflects poorly on the professionalism and accountability of public institutions.

It is high time something as basic as answering the phone is given the attention it deserves, as for many, it is the most practical way of reaching out to a government agency.

on that note, I rang the national research institute again recently and this time, the call was answered promptly.

By VIJENTHI NAIR vijenthi @thestar.com.my

Getting MyKads in order

 Many visit NRD ahead of R100 assistance

Aid on the cards: Malaysians rushing to replace their identity card at the Petaling Jaya NRD branch. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

PETALING JAYA: As the government prepares to roll out the RM100 aid for all adult citizens, many are heading to National Registration Department (NRD) offices to update their MyKad.

This is because the one-off RM100 assistance for Malaysians aged 18 and above will be credited directly to their MyKad under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) initiative from September.

Among those eager to renew their identification card was Chua from SS2, who has not renewed his MyKad for over 20 years.

“It was high time for a change,” he said at the NRD office here yesterday where he came to pick up his new MyKad, following a system glitch on Wednesday. 

Retiree K. Gunaseelan, 71, said he lost his MyKad recently.

“But I have a replacement and it is just in time for the government’s aid,” he said.

Gunaseelan said he is keen to find out more about how to use the RM100 aid.

“I’ve heard about the purchase scheme using the MyKad, but I’m not entirely sure how or where I can use it,” he added.

A civil servant, who identified herself as Atiqah, came to renew her MyKad which was damaged.

The 32-year-old said she appreciated the RM100 aid.

ALSO READ: Don't belittle RM100 cash aid under Sara, says Anwar

“Middle-income earners usually don’t receive much from the government,” she added.

She urged the government to do more to help those in need, such as tax rebates.

Business development manager GK Lim, 55, said he was happy with the process of replacing his MyKad.

“The crowd was manageable and the queue not long as many counters were opened. Everything was done in under 45 minutes,” he said.

Lim said he took leave from work to sort things out after realising the chip in his MyKad was faulty last week.

Nurul Najwa, a 29-year-old freelance graphic designer from Ampang, said everyone should take good care of their MyKad.

“I’m happy about the RM100 government aid.

“As a freelancer, every bit helps. I hope the government will consider long-term solutions for freelancers and small-scale business owners,” she added.

Rela

The Star

https://www.thestar.com.my › nation › 2025/07/25 › sta..

Stakeholders await details on RON95 targeted subsidy

Just a matter of political optics

   

The Star

https://www.thestar.com.my › comment › 2025/07/25

Malaysia PM announces cash handout for all adult citizen, Govt offering much-needed relief measures to ease living cost of rakya

 

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s Prime Minister (PM) Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday announced new measures to address growing public disquiet about the rising cost of living, including a cash handout for all adult citizens and a promise to lower fuel prices.

The announcement came ahead of a planned protest to be held in Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, calling for Anwar to step down over escalating prices and a failure to deliver on promised reforms, among other concerns.

Anwar’s administration has carried out a number of measures to boost revenue and productivity this year, including a minimum wage hike, increased electricity tariffs on heavy power users, and new sales taxes on some imported fruits and luxury goods.

Anwar has said the moves were mainly targeted at large businesses and the wealthy, but critics have voiced fears that higher costs would eventually be passed down to consumers, including lower and middle income earners.

On Wednesday, Anwar said all adult Malaysians above 18 years old will receive a 100 ringgit ($23.67) one-off cash aid to be disbursed from Aug. 31.

The government will spend a total 15 billion ringgit ($3.55 billion) in cash aid in 2025, up from 13 billion ringgit originally allocated for the year, he said.

Police have said they expect between 10,000 and 15,000 people to attend the Saturday protest, which has been organized by opposition parties.

“I acknowledge the complaints and accept that the cost of living remains a challenge that must be addressed, even though we have announced various measures thus far,” Anwar said.

He added that further initiatives to aid those in poverty will be launched on Thursday.

Anwar said the government will also announce details on a long-awaited plan to remove blanket subsidies on the widely used RON95 transport fuel before the end of September.

Once the subsidy changes are implemented, Malaysians will see fuel prices at the pump drop to 1.99 ringgit per liter, compared to the current price of 2.05 ringgit, Anwar said.

Foreign nationals however will have to pay unsubsidized market prices for the fuel, he added.

Anwar also announced additional allocations for a government program aimed at increasing access to affordable goods and necessities, and vowed to improve other existing aid measures.

Malaysia has seen inflation fall this year, but worries persist over increasing prices of basic necessities like food.

Data released this week showed consumer prices rising 1.1% from a year earlier last month, but the costs of food and beverages were up at a faster pace of 2.1%.

Govt offering much-needed relief measures to ease living cost of rakyat

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians can look forward to a series of measures aimed at easing cost of living, including a one-off RM100 cash aid for those 18 years and above, and cheaper RON95 soon.

The cash assistance will be credited directly into their MyKad under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) initiative.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced these measures in a special announcement aired live on his social media platforms yesterday.

Offered in conjunction with National Day on Aug 31, he said the incentives were aimed at easing the rising cost of living and a token of appreciation for the people.

“With this announcement, the combined allocation for Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sara rises from RM13bil to RM15bil this year, marking the first time in history that cash aid is extended to all adult Malaysians,” he said.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said this initiative would benefit 22 million Malaysians with an allocation of RM2bil.

This assistance, said Anwar, can be used from Aug 31 to Dec 31 this year, to buy essentials at over 4,100 outlets nationwide, including major supermarkets such as Mydin, Lotus’s, Econsave, 99Speedmart and participating grocers.

“It will be distributed on individual basis, not by household. So, for example, a household with a husband, wife and two adult children will receive a total of RM400,” he said.

Less is more: The price of RON95 petrol will soon be reduced to RM1.99 per litre under a targeted subsidy scheme with further details to be announced by the end of September. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

Anwar said the cost of living remained a pressing challenge that must be addressed wisely and urgently.

He added that while overall inflation in June 2025 dropped to 1.1%, the lowest in 52 months, food and beverage prices continued to rise above the national average.

“There may be some among us who are financially secure and do not need this aid. The government intends to reallocate any unspent funds by year-end towards assistance programmes for vulnerable groups next year,” he added.

In a separate statement, the Finance Ministry said collectively, households have the potential to receive a higher amount of Sara credit.

“For example, a family comprising a husband, wife, and two children aged 18 and above would receive a total of RM400, instead of just RM100,” it said.

The Sara credit can be used to buy over 90,000 essential items across 14 categories, including rice, egg, household cleaning products, medicine and school supplies.

“The RM100 credit is valid until its expiry date of Dec 31, 2025.

“Any unspent balance will be redistributed to vulnerable groups through a programme to be determined later,” said the ministry.

Sara complemented the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) initiative, which provided monthly credits specifically for purchasing basic necessities, it added.

The initiative was introduced by the government in its first Madani Budget in 2023 and currently benefits 5.4 million active recipients.

“Both initiatives are a token of appreciation from the government to all Malaysians who continue to support the nation’s fiscal reform agenda.

“They also reflect the Madani government’s commitment to redistributing the nation’s growing wealth, a result of bold fiscal reforms and more efficient economic management, guided by the Madani Economic Framework.

Anwar also highlighted that the Jualan Rahmah Madani initiative will be enhanced to assist the public in managing living costs.

The government, he added, will double the initiative’s allocation from RM300mil to RM600mil.

This funding will increase the frequency and expand the Jualan Rahmah Madani to include all 600 state constituencies nationwide, said Anwar, who is also Finance Minister.

“The additional allocation will, among others, increase the frequency and expand the number of locations nationwide, covering all 600 state constituencies,” he said.

Anwar also said the price of RON95 petrol will soon be reduced to RM1.99 per litre under a targeted subsidy scheme with further details to be announced by the end of September.

The government, he said, was committed to optimising national subsidy spending by ensuring that ordinary Malaysians continued to benefit from subsidies, while curbing leakage to those not eligible.

“Once the targeted RON95 subsidy is implemented, the government will reduce the price of RON95 petrol to RM1.99 per litre exclusively for Malaysian citizens, while foreign nationals will have to pay the unsubsidised market price.”

The initiative, he said, would benefit about 18 million motorists, including youths as young as 16 and gig economy workers.

“In 2023 and 2024 alone, subsidies for RON95 were estimated to cost nearly RM20bil annually.

“Even this year, despite a drop in global oil prices, the unsubsidised price of RON95 remains around RM2.50 per litre, significantly higher than the subsidised rate Malaysians currently enjoy,” he said.

He explained that the move aims to ensure that ordinary citizens continued receiving fuel subsidy while leakage to ineligible groups, including foreigners, are addressed.

To address the critical need for doctors in hospitals and government healthcare facilities, Anwar also announced that over 4,000 positions for government doctors, including contract medical officers, would be available this year.

He confirmed that 4,352 new doctors, including those on contract, would be hired this year.

According to projections released in 2023 by Dr Hirman Ismail, deputy director of the Health Ministry’s medical development division, the public healthcare sector would require 63,040 doctors by 2025 and 79,931 by 2030.

As of last year, there were nearly 52,000 doctors employed in government service.

Related stories:

• What’s next after one-off cash aid?
• Sim: Comply with ruling
• ‘Toll hike delay eases burden on daily commuters’
• Easing the people’s burden for a stronger economy
• Let people decide if they want the RM100 aid, says Dr Wee
• Some think Sabah has too many holidays

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A HIKE THAT BRINGS JOY TO MANY

 

Explore Bukit Jambul Hiking Trails in Penang https://www.tiktok.com/@undergopenang/video/7210602454658960667?lang=en Tik Tok · Undergo Penang 0:57 Embark on an adventurous journey through the Bukit Jambul hill in Penang. Discover popular Bukit Jambul Hiking Trails in Penang Embark on an adventurous journey through the Bukit Jambul hill in Penang. Discover popular hiking trails with stunning views from the top.  

Participants taking on the uphill challenge of climbing Iconic Hill during “Climb To Change A Life” hiking event in Paya Terubong, Penang. (July 20, 2025) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star.

GEORGE TOWN: Some came in wheelchairs, some used walking aids and some could only feel their way ahead.

But with determination and some help, about 60 differently-abled individuals made it to the top of Iconic Hill in Paya Terubong yesterday.

From the peak, which is high as a 73-storey tower, they watched the iconic Komtar tower, both bridges, Penang Hill, the Bayan Lepas industrial zone and even the shores of Kedah bathed in sunrise.

Among the climbers was Serena Yeoh Jing Han, 10, who lives with cerebral palsy.

Born with the condition, Yeoh did not learn to walk until she was five.

Yesterday, she pushed her limits by walking all the way up, one step at a time.

“She got up from bed immediately this morning (yesterday), excited and ready. She is not used to walking without support, but she was determined to finish the hike, and she did,” said her mother, Teh Mong Ling, 46.

Three-year-old Syed Aydan Mateen Syed Mustaqim, also got out of his stroller to complete the hike.

His father, Syed Mustaqim Syed Zainol Abidin, 39, smiled as he recalled the journey with his son, who lives with cerebral palsy.

“Usually, we only bring him to the playground. But today, we saw something different in him.

“His curiosity lit up, he was learning from everything he saw and felt,” he said.

Courage in motion: (Top) Participants taking on the uphill challenge of climbing Iconic Hill during ‘Climb to Change a Life’ hiking event in Paya Terubong, Penang. (Inset) Zy Kher and his father making their way up the hill. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

From toddlers to teens, the event drew people from all walks of life.

S. Puvarasan, 19, lost his sight to eye cancer when he was only one-year-old.

“I do not remember what the world looks like. But I could feel the sunshine, hear the laughter and breathe in the fresh air.

“This moment meant every­thing. It showed me that we’re not alone and we can lift each other up,” he said.

Themed “Climb to Change a Life”, the event was organised by Pertubuhan Hui Yin Seh, a Buddhist association, with the support of some 600 volunteers.

Hui Yin Seh chairman Khiah Hock Leong said the organisation wanted the differently-abled com­mu­nity to feel the joy of nature.

“But more than that, we want society to better understand their needs and learn to appreciate life a little more deeply,” he said.

Paralympic swimmer Zy Kher Lee, 18, also took part in the event, which was co-organised with his Zy Movement Foundation.

Zy Kher, who has prosthetic legs, walked to the very top with his father Walter Lee.

“Many children with mobility challenges rarely get a chance to enjoy hills or nature. Even climbing a small hill with friends can be life-changing.

“It’s a learning journey for them, and for everyone involved,” said Walter, 60.

Krisana Lalai, 56, from Bangkok, Thailand, also turned up to support the cause.

He founded the Friendly Design For All Foundation, a human rights organisation focused on promoting equal rights to accessibility, particularly for people with disabilities.

Paralysed from the waist down after an accident at 29, Krisana said he was moved by everyone’s spirit.

“This activity brings compassionate hearts together. It creates something meaningful, not just for those with disabilities, but for the families and friends who support them.

“It sends a strong message of unity and inclusion,” he said.

Penang youth and sports committee chairman Daniel Gooi lauded the initiative and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to inclusivity.

“This event reminds us that no one should be left behind,” he said on the sidelines of the event.

“Since 2016, our Accessibility Action Group has worked to make Penang more friendly to those with physical challenges.

“We’re not done, but we’re on the right path,” he said.

Besides the hike, participants also joined a series of telematch games and performances at the hilltop.

By LO TERN CHERN, the Star