Health Hotline Magazine | June 2026

Beetroot Juice

Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule that is naturally produced by the body and is crucial for regulating blood pressure; diminished production is associated with hypertension, other cardiovascular dysfunction, and erectile dysfunction. NO has a number of important functions, including promoting blood vessel flexibility and vasodilation, both of which help maintain normal blood pressure, as well as reducing oxidative stress, another driver of hypertension. Beetroot is rich in dietary nitrate, which the body converts to NO. One recent review investigated 11 studies to examine the relationship between beetroot juice and blood pressure and concluded, “This easily found and cheap dietary intervention could significantly decrease the risk of su ering cardiovascular events and, in doing so, would help to diminish the mortality rate associated with this pathology. Hence, beetroot juice supplementation should be promoted as a key component of a healthy lifestyle to control blood pressure in healthy and hypertensive individuals.” Studies have shown that 250 mL to 500 mL of beetroot juice daily is e ective in reducing blood pressure. Beetroot crystals and powder supplements are also an e ective way to increase NO production.

In addition to healthy lifestyle habits, certain vitamins and nutrients are proven to support healthy blood pressure. Hibiscus Tea Drinking three cups of hibiscus tea every day can be an enjoyable and easy way to reduce blood pressure. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition , including 65 pre- and mild hypertensive adults, had the participants drink three eight-ounce servings of hibiscus tea or a placebo daily for six weeks. At the end of the study, there was an improvement in both systolic and diastolic pressure in those drinking the tea, compared to the placebo group. The most improvement was seen in systolic pressure and in those participants who had higher blood pressure to begin with. A recent analysis of five studies investigating the e ect of hibiscus tea on blood pressure confirmed that the tea had a significant e ect on lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Vitamin D

Studies have consistently shown that low blood levels of vitamin D are linked to hypertension. One study found that men and women with vitamin D levels of 15 ng/mL or less had a three to six times increased risk of developing hypertension over a four-year period compared to those with levels of 30 ng/mL or higher. Other research has found that increasing vitamin D levels with supplementation lowers blood pressure. A study investigating the e ects of vitamin D supplementation on 250 African American men and women found that for each 1 ng/ mL increase in blood levels of vitamin D, there was a drop in systolic blood pressure. Doses were given at 1,000; 2,000; or 4,000 IUs daily for three months, with the most significant decreases found in those taking 4,000 IUs. It is worth noting that African Americans are particularly at risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency because darker skin reduces natural vitamin D production. It’s important to have your levels checked and aim to maintain levels between 40-80 ng/mL.

Pycnogenol® or grapeseed extract

These two powerful polyphenols have been well researched, particularly in the area of vascular health. They have a unique chemical structure that allows them to easily pass through cell membranes, making them more bioavailable compared to some other types of polyphenols. They have been shown to improve circulation; increase NO production; protect the inner lining of blood vessels, the endothelium, from oxidative damage; and increase vasodilation. These qualities make them a top choice for supporting healthy blood pressure. Research using both grape seed extract and Pycnogenol, or pine bark extract, has shown that they improve “flow-mediated dilation,” a measure of the blood vessels’ ability to relax in response to increased blood flow, which means better blood pressure. A placebo controlled study published in 2025 found that 600mg of grape seed extract taken daily for seven days in young men (18-30 years) with elevated, or stage one hypertension, lead to a decrease in diastolic blood pressure and average arterial pressure. The researchers noted that the reductions were related to grape seed extract’s ability improve vasodilation, and concluded that long-term supplementation with grape seed extract may prevent elevated/stage one hypertension from progressing into stage two hypertension.

Hypertension is a serious health issue that cannot be ignored, but it can be controlled. Know your numbers and take the necessary actions to keep them in check. Your long-term health depends on it!

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For references, please visit naturalgrocers.com/issue-107