Endurance Athletes Should Consider This Natural Supplement
Updated: Aug 25
WHAT: Beetroot Powder
WHY: Beets, in addition to a few other vegetables, are very high in dietary nitrate. When consumed, this nitrate converts to nitric oxide, which can provide the body with powerful benefits! Nitric oxide can (1) Improve the function of our mitochondria, making our bodies more efficient at using energy; and (2) Act as a “vasodilator”, allowing our blood vessels to expand and deliver more oxygen to the muscles. Due to these reasons, the consumption of beets has been proven to improve endurance in athletes. Refer to the research papers below for more information.
HOW: There are 3 ways in which you use beets as a supplement for athletic performance:
Cooked Beets: boil or roast raw beets and consume 1-2 cups, 2-3 hours before exercise.
100% Beetroot Juice: consume 1-2 cups, 2 hours before exercise.
Beetroot Powder: 1 Tbsp mixed with 8 oz water; 1 hour before exercise.
Beetroot powder is the simplest and most practical option. If you are serious about wanting to improve your endurance performance, beetroot powder is worth a shot! It’s natural. It’s safe. It’s effective.
References:
Arazi, H., & Eghbali, E. (2021). Possible effects of beetroot supplementation on physical performance through metabolic, neuroendocrine, and antioxidant mechanisms: a narrative review of the literature. Frontiers in Nutrition, 221.
Domínguez, R., Cuenca, E., Maté-Muñoz, J. L., García-Fernández, P., Serra-Paya, N., Estevan, M. C. L., ... & Garnacho-Castaño, M. V. (2017). Effects of beetroot juice supplementation on cardiorespiratory endurance in athletes. A systematic review. Nutrients, 9(1), 43.
Senefeld, J. W., Wiggins, C. C., Regimbal, R. J., Dominelli, P. B., Baker, S. E., & Joyner, M. J. (2020). Ergogenic effect of nitrate supplementation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 52(10), 2250.