Drinking Beetroot Juice Boosts Stamina

EXETER, EnglandAthletes who drink beetroot juice may boost their stamina by up to 16 percent, according to research from the University of Exeter.

According to the findings, drinking beetroot juice reduces oxygen uptake to an extent that cannot be achieved by any other known means, including training. The findings also could be relevant to elderly people or those with cardiovascular, respiratory or metabolic diseases.

Researchers studied eight men between ages 19 and 38. They were given 500ml per day of organic beetroot juice for six consecutive days before completing a series of tests, involving cycling on an exercise bike. Next, they were given a placebo of blackcurrant cordial for six consecutive days before completing the same cycling tests.

After drinking beetroot juice 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 translated to a 2-percent reduction in the time taken to cover a set distance. The group that had consumed the beetroot juice also had lower resting blood pressure.

 Our study is the first to show that nitrate-rich food can increase exercise endurance. We were amazed by the effects of beetroot juice on oxygen uptake because these effects cannot be achieved by any other known means, including training," said Andy Jones, corresponding study author. I am sure professional and amateur athletes will be interested in the results of this research. I am also keen to explore the relevance of the findings to those people who suffer from poor fitness and may be able to use dietary supplements to help them go about their daily lives."