Athletes may be caught juicing with a new performance enhancing product soon. But this product is legal and it really is juice. Recent studies have been conducted with competitive cyclists and a somewhat foreign ingredient called beetroot juice.
Athletes in these tests were given the beetroot juice before a time trial. Multiple distances were timed and the cyclists who drank the complete beetroot formula were found to be over 2.5% faster than they were without the juice.
Beetroot juice is a natural source of nitrate. The nitrate ingredient is what is believed to be causing the enhanced performance. Nitrate widens blood vessels which lowers blood pressure and allows for more blood flow. Nitrate also reduces the amount of oxygen needed by muscles during activity. These two effects combined are the source for the improved performance of the cyclists in the research.
The cycling tests have surely sparked the interest of other athletes as well. If this natural and legal product can improve performance in one physical area, it seems plausible that it can help improve the performance of other activities as well. When dealing with sports, where seconds can mean the difference between second place or champion, beetroot juice may soon needs its own sports agent.
This good news is also good news for juicing. Since juicing is a great way to get a concentrated amounts of wonderful vitamins, antioxidants, and phytochemicals for the body, adding one more very strong persuasive point only helps further the cause. Since beetroot is simply the root of a beet, it can be purchased rather easily. Pre-juiced beetroot is also available in most natural sections of stores and at most natural grocery stores.
Beetroot has been promoted in juicing for a long time and is a very familiar ingredient among juicers. Now that it’s advantageous effects are being proven with athletes, you should expect it’s popularity to soar into the mainstream. As the popularity rises, it’ll be a nice welcomed change to hear about our superstar athletes and their new addiction to juicing.
Here are a few suggested juicing recipes for enjoying this powerful garden product.
From At The Juicing Cafe:
‘Beeten Apple’ Juice
– 3 apples
– ½ beetroot
This simple recipe claims to a mild introduction to the flavor and results of beetroot juice.
From Raw Foods Living Foods:
Beet Juice With Carrot and Celery
– 1 small beetroot (the small ones are sweeter)
– 2 large carrots
– 1 stalk of celery
Via Science Daily
Also Read:
Beat High Blood Pressure with Beets