With such a long list of things to do every day, from going to work and taking care of the house to getting the kids off to school and a seemingly endless number of other tasks, it’s no surprise that so many of us are lacking when it comes to energy and endurance.
If you’re trying to lose weight and get fit, this can really throw a wrench into your plans when it comes to working out, especially when all you really want to do is crawl back into bed or crash out on the couch!
If you’re already eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water – like you know you should – one thing you might try adding to help boost energy and endurance is beets or beet juice.
Here's How Powerful This Superfood Really Is
Recent research has found that this red root vegetable may even be more effective at increasing energy levels than caffeine – and without the crash!
One study found that athletes who drank 16 ounces of organic beet juice were able to cycle for up to 16 percent longer compared to those who drank a placebo. The researchers noted that such a significant effect isn’t achievable by any other known means, including training.
Another study out of Saint Louis University found that participants who ate approximately one cup of baked beets an hour before racing in a 5K were able to shave a minute off of their time. They also reported feeling less tired.
Beets are rich in natural nitrates which the body converts to nitric oxide, aiding blood flow and the delivery of oxygen to the muscles. This results in the ability to work harder with less effort.
Scientists have found that taking artificial nitrates don’t have the same effect – in fact, they weren’t found to enhance performance at all. They believe it may be because beets also contain antioxidants and vitamins that work together with the natural nitrates.
In yet another study, British scientists found that volunteers who drank about 18 ounces of beet juice a day for six days were able to sprint 15 percent longer before becoming exhausted and their blood pressure dropped five points.
Swimmers were even found to be able to hold their breath 11 percent longer after drinking the beet juice.
Those are some pretty remarkable results, don’t you think?
Even if you aren’t an athlete, drinking beet juice before a workout may help you to exercise longer and harder so that you can achieve your weight and fitness goals that much quicker.
Best Way to Consume Beets
If you want to test this theory out to see if it will increase your energy and endurance or bolster your performance, consider investing in a juicer and grab some fresh organic beets – they’re in season all year long.
Bottled beet juice is another option, just be sure that it’s 100 percent organic beet juice with no unwanted ingredients like added sugar. It can be sipped straight or blended into a smoothie.
Roasting beets is yet another good way to try them, especially if you’ve never eaten beets before as it can help to bring out their natural sweetness. Just trim off the leafy beet tops, wash the roots and toss them in a bowl with a little organic olive oil. Place them onto a baking sheet in an oven that’s preheated to 400 and roast for 30 minutes, or until tender. Once they’ve cooled, the skins can be slipped off with your fingers. Just slice and serve!
Keep in mind that the dark carotenes of beet juice may give your urine or bowel movements a ruby red color just like the veggie itself, but this effect is harmless.
Yours in health & happiness,
Danette May
P.S. Please leave your comments below and feel fee to share this important information with your friends and loved ones.
