Beetroot Juice Gives Strength To The Athlete
Author: Mark Velov
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
Cyclists who drink half a liter of freshly squeezed beet juice a day have increased muscle strength and endurance.
Beetroot juice helps increase endurance during physical activity, according to a new study from the University of Exeter, England.
The drink is especially useful for athletes, as it gives them strength and energy to achieve better results in competitive games. The present study confirms the results of other studies that prove the efficacy of red fresh consumption in athletes.
The content of beets includes an average of 88% water, 1.2% protein, 9.3% carbohydrates, 0.9% mineral salts (potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sulfur, iodine), small amounts of vitamin C, carotene, vitamins B1 , B2 and B12.
The useful drink helps to dilate blood vessels, lowers blood pressure and improves blood circulation . In addition, the juice affects the muscle tissue, reducing the oxygen content needed by the muscles to function.
The overall impact reflects on the performance of physical actions, regardless of their intensity.
The study involved 9 professional cyclists. Those cyclists who drink half a liter of freshly squeezed beet juice a day show increased muscle strength and endurance.
Beets are also good for the heart. Researchers at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London concluded that after consuming 500 ml of beet juice, high blood pressure dropped significantly in just one hour .
The study involved 14 volunteers divided into 2 groups. The blood level of each of the participants was measured. Volunteers from one group drank half a liter of freshly squeezed beet juice, and those from the other group - the same amount of water .
The results show that in just one hour, the systolic blood pressure of volunteers who drank beet juice decreased significantly. After 2 and a half hours, the systolic pressure in the volunteers of the first group was 10 mm lower than in those who drank water. After 24 hours, blood pressure was 4 mm lower in volunteers who consumed beet juice.