Beet to run faster?

Beet juice may sound unappealing but it is sometimes made mixed with carrots and once you try it it is not bad at all. Plus, it can help you run faster, according to a study in the European Journal of Applied Physiology. The study divided 14 men into two groups, and had them run. One group had drunk 170 ml of beet juice the day and night before and then 250 ml on the day of the race. The other group drank the juice without nitrates, a compound believed to provide the speed boost. When running, the nutritious juice men ran 4.2% farther than those not taking nitrates. In terms of 5 kilometers, it would mean saving about 23 seconds. The body converts nitrates into nitric oxide, a gas that enlarges your blood vessels, bringing more oxygen to your muscles. Other studies have been done and it is believed that in general, any food with nitrates, such as spinach, could help you with this goal. Experts advise not to trust beet juice but to try it and drink this and other juices regularly to give energy to the body. Among other vegetables high in nitrates we have carrots, spinach and turnips. Learn more benefits of beets here.