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Study Shows Beetroot Juice Boost Stamina

August 7, 2009
By J White

Exercising has a host of various benefits: losing weight, improving athletic performance, strengthening muscles, improving endurance, and just having fun. However, exercising can be draining, which makes us wish for an extra energy boost.

According to a new study conducted by a research team out of the University of Exeter, beetroot juice could help you exercise for up to 16 percent longer. Researchers found that a nitrate contained in beetroot juice leads to a reduction in oxygen uptake, making exercise less tiring.

What’s more remarkable is that the study reveals that drinking beetroot juice reduces oxygen uptake to an extent that cannot be achieved by any other known means, including training.

These findings are not just of significance to athletes or those who regularly exercise. The researchers state that the results could be relevant to elderly people or those with cardiovascular, respiratory or metabolic diseases.

In the study, eight men between the ages of 19 and 38 were given 500 milliliters (~17 ounces) per day of organic beetroot juice for six consecutive days before completing a series of tests involving cycling. On another occasion, they were given a placebo for six consecutive days before completing the same cycling tests.

After drinking the beetroot juice, the study reported that the group was able to cycle for an average of 11.25 minutes, which is 92 seconds longer than when they were given the placebo. This result would translate into an approximate 2 percent reduction in the time taken to cover a set distance.

The study also reported that the group that had consumed the beetroot juice also had lower resting blood pressure.

As for why the nitrate causes the boost in stamina, the researchers are not sure. The report stated that they suspect it could be a result of the nitrate turning into nitric oxide in the body, reducing the oxygen cost of exercise. Nitric oxide is an important signaling molecule in the body that plays a vital role in a variety of biological processes.

Beetroot juice is fairly expensive, so you may want to try vacuum dried red beet juice, which you can use to make the juice.

Source:
University of Exeter. “Beetroot Juice Boosts Stamina, New Study Shows.” ScienceDaily 7 August 2009. 7 August 2009 http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2009/08/090806141520.htm

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