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But there may be a simpler, more natural option: beets.
Food Director mackinpo
Yes, the humble beet.
But that doesnt mean they are widely eaten.
After all, when was the last time you bought beets at the farmers market or grocery store?
Nitrates are compounds of oxygen and nitrogen that are naturally present in some foods.
And, lately, they have sparked scientific interest.
Its easy to understand how this helps athletic performance.
When the muscles are better supplied with oxygen, the body can function more efficiently during intense exercise.
The result: more endurance, longer performance, and faster recovery.
Beets for athletic performance
There are numerousstudiesthat confirm the positive effect of beets on endurance.
Oneoverviewfrom 2017 analyzed 23 studies that looked at the influence of beets on athletic performance.
The results showed that even a single intake of beetroot juice can reduce oxygen consumption and increase energy efficiency.
This means that athletes can train longer before becoming exhausted.
But this effect doesnt just benefit pro athletes; amateur athletes can also benefit from beet.
Beets for muscle soreness
That said, the benefits of beets are not just limited to endurance.
Beets for the heart and hormones
Overall, it seems beets offer significant benefits for health.
Nitrates may even helpbalance hormones.
How to eat beets
With their very earthy, slightly sweet flavor, beets can be controversial.
Either you love em or hate em.
They also make a tasty puree or soup.
Beetroot juice is another obvious optionespecially for those who workout and want a quick and easy method.
