Looking for ways to naturally increase your strength and energy? If so, you might be happy to learn regarding the incredible benefits of juicing a particular vegetable that packs quite a punch.
It’s beets – yes, the same root vegetable we usually use in salads and smoothies! Keep reading to find out how this nutritious drink can help you increase your muscle strength in no time! Beets have been found to provide athletes with many benefits, not the least of which is improved muscle strength and performance during exercise. According to a study published in Acta Physiologica, beet juice may be especially beneficial for athletes looking to increase muscle strength. The main active molecule responsible for this benefit is dietary nitrate, which has long been known for its fitness benefits, but the exact reason for this effect has not been determined until now. The research team from the University of Exeter conducted a series of tests on volunteers who ingested either beetroot juice or a placebo.
They then monitored their performance before and following drinking the juice, focusing on muscle strength and power output. The results showed that those who drank the beetroot juice experienced significant improvements in both measures – around 10% compared to those who took the placebo drink. However, this study was conducted on young athletic men. More research is needed to support the effect of beetroot juice on older adults and women.
Researchers believe that nitrate works by increasing vasodilation in muscles, allowing them to contract more efficiently and generate more power. This leads to increased uptake and delivery of oxygen to actively contracting muscles, resulting in greater energy production and better performance. Additionally, nitrate also helps reduce blood pressure levels during exercise, which further improves oxygen delivery while reducing the strain on your cardiovascular system.
These results suggest that incorporating beets into your diet might help significantly improve your athletic performance. Beet juice can be easily consumed before workouts, or you can add raw or cooked beets to salads or other recipes if you prefer to consume them in solid form. Either way, their many benefits make them a great choice for any athlete looking to increase muscle strength while training.