Do you want to improve your exercise performance? Why am I asking this seemingly arbitrary question? Because nitrate-rich beets offer sustained source of energy and scientists have even found a link between beets consumption and improved athletic performance. How cool is that?
Many of us may not be serious runners or big exercisers, but one thing we can all probably agree on: We all need energy to get through our days. And we seem to be looking for resources–food or non-food– to increase our daily energy reserves. The meteoric rise in energy drinks sales since early 2000s is a testament to our energy-seeking quest. Beet juice not only offers a ton of (instant) energy, but also scores high on nutrition and taste tests. And it’s natural!
Beets are rich in natural chemicals called nitrates. Through a chain reaction, your body changes nitrates into nitric oxide, which helps with blood flow and blood pressure while boosting your stamina when you exercise. In one study, people who drank beet juice for 6 days had better stamina during intense workouts.
Beetroot also improves muscle power in people with heart failure. Results of a 2015 study suggest further benefits of nitrates in beetroot juice. The study showed that people with heart failure experienced a 13 percent increase in muscle power two hours after drinking beetroot juice.
So, don’t wait. Juice up!
References:
Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Cardiorespiratory Endurance in Athletes. A Systematic Review, Nutrients; Basel Vol. 9, Iss. 1, (2017): 43.
