Beet supplements have recently gained popularity among athletes and fitness enthusiasts due to their clinically studied health benefits for enhancing athletic performance and recovery. If you haven't tried this powerful pre workout/post-workout supplement yet, there is no reason to beet yourself up over it... we lay out all the benefits in this post!
What are beet supplements?
Beet supplements are dietary supplements made from beetroot extract. Beetroot is a rich source of nitrates, which are converted to nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide helps to dilate blood vessels, increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles.
Why is nitric oxide vital?
Increased blood flow can improve athletic performance in several ways. First, it can enhance oxygen delivery to the muscles, which can help to delay fatigue and improve endurance. Second, it can improve nutrient delivery to the muscles, which can help to enhance recovery after exercise. Third, it can increase the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the primary energy currency of the body's cells. This can help improve energy levels during exercise and reduce the risk of muscle damage and soreness risk.
Benefits for athletic performance:
Research has shown that beet supplements can improve athletic performance in various ways. For example, a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that beet supplements improved cycling performance in trained athletes. And here's the link to the study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22709704
Another study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that beet supplements improved running performance and oxygen uptake in recreational runners. The study investigated the effects of different doses of beetroot juice on running performance and oxygen uptake in recreational runners and found that higher amounts of beetroot juice led to more significant improvements in performance and oxygen uptake. Here's a link to that study: https://www.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/japplphysiol.00372.2013
Benefits for recovery:
In addition to improving performance during exercise, beet supplements may also help to enhance recovery afterward. A 2015 study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that beetroot juice supplementation reduced muscle soreness and inflammation following a high-intensity exercise session. Here's the link to that study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4444658/
Other potential health benefits:
Beet supplements also offer other potential health benefits beyond athletic performance. For example, research has suggested that beet supplements may help to reduce blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance cognitive function.
How to use beet supplements:
Beet supplements are typically available in powder or capsule form, and can be consumed before or after exercise. The optimal dosage and timing of beet supplements may vary depending on individual needs and goals, so it's essential to consult a healthcare provider or sports nutritionist for personalized recommendations.
Overall, beets and nitric oxide are important for athletic performance and overall health, and consuming beet supplements is one way to increase nitric oxide production in the body and potentially enhance athletic performance and recovery.
Interested in the beet game? You can find Beet Elite in the Sports Nutrition category of The Rov' Shop or just click here!