Chewing sugar bubblegum after eating nitrate-rich foods like beetroot, spinach and kale may meaningfully boost their blood pressure-lowering effects, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
It’s long been established that foods carry significant benefits, as scientific consultant in physics and theoretical biology, Gregory Gacis, previously told GB News: "Beetroot extract and dietary nitrates (abundant in beets and leafy greens) promote vasodilation and decrease blood pressure.
“Numerous vitamins and supplements can promote healthy blood pressure levels by enhancing vascular functions, decreasing inflammation, and balancing fluid levels.”
The mechanism behind this effect runs through the mouth; after food is swallowed, nitrate is absorbed into the gut before being secreted back into the saliva, where bacteria on the tongue convert it into nitrite.
The mouth plays a key role in reducing blood pressure
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That nitrite is re-swallowed and enters the bloodstream, where it relaxes blood vessels and reduces blood pressure - meaning the mouth continues playing an active role long after a meal is finished.
Researchers from King’s College London and the University of Reading have now tested whether raising saliva acidity may accelerate this bacterial conversion.
Participants who chewed Hubba Bubba after drinking beetroot juice showed nitrite levels in the mouth almost 45 per cent higher, with circulating nitrite in the body around 25 per cent.
This was accompanied by a measurable drop in blood pressure that lasted several hours.
In some of their earlier studies, the team showed that grapefruit juice lowers saliva acidity and hinders this process, so their latest study deliberately reverses that question.
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While beetroot has historically received most attention, Gasic points to other everyday foods for their blood pressure-lowering effects.
“Potassium, which is found in foods such as bananas, avocados and spinach, counters sodium’s effects and causes vasodilation,” he said.
“Magnesium found in nuts, seeds and dark chocolate dilates blood vessels and decreases vascular resistance.”
This suggests broader dietary patterns may matter more than just any single ingredient.
Chewing gum after drinking beetroot juice could increase nitrite levels in the mouth by almost 45 per cent
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Despite their latest results, scientists at King’s College London have urged against taking up sugary gum as a daily habit, given its potential to harm dental health over time.
Instead, they interpret the results as an opportunity to redevelop tooth-friendly alternatives that could replicate the same effect safely,
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