Beetroot
juice offers significant health benefits, primarily due to its high nitrate content, which converts to nitric oxide to relax and dilate blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure and improving circulation. It is also consumed to boost athletic performance, reduce inflammation, and support liver detoxification. However, drinking it at the right time can result in greater benefits.
When should you drink beetroot juice?
According to nutritionists, you can drink the juice anytime during the day to support blood flow, but the best times for enhanced stamina include:
Two to three hours before exercise
It takes around two hours for nitrates to reach their highest levels in the blood after you finish drinking beet juice. Nutritionists say it also takes about five to six hours for the levels to drop by half. This means drinking it two to three hours before your workout will have the biggest impact, but the effects last for several hours after drinking.
After workout
Beet juice is loaded with antioxidant compounds like betalain. A diet loaded with antioxidants supports muscle recovery by reducing inflammation that happens with exercise. Studies say beetroot juice also supports recovery and reduces muscle soreness.
How does beet juice improve blood flow and stamina?
Beets are rich in nitrates - found naturally in vegetables that offer several health and performance benefits, primarily by converting into nitric oxide (NO) in the body. Nitric oxide is a crucial molecule that helps regulate various physiological processes. It also widens blood vessels and improves blood flow. Better blood flow can improve nutrient and oxygen delivery to muscles. Nitric oxide also helps your muscles use more oxygen efficiently when you exercise, helping with proper oxygen distribution in your muscles. This helps your muscle cells work better so you can push yourself or stay active for longer.Also read:
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How much beetroot juice should you drink daily?
According to studies, taking around 300 to 600 milligrams of nitrate two to three hours before exercise can improve physical performance. About 2.5-17 ounces of beetroot juice can provide 300–600 milligrams of nitrate. The nitrate content in beet juice varies depending on factors such as storage, growing conditions, and preparation methods. As a result, the amount of nitrate in beetroot juice can vary widely.
How to find the best beets for juice?
According to experts, there are many factors that affect beet juice’s nitrate content and how much you benefit from it. To get the most:
Choose fresh
Fresh juice usually has more nitrate than processed versions.
Store juice properly
To preserve the nitrate content, make sure to keep beet juice in the refrigerator and consume it soon after juicing for maximum benefit.
Avoid using antibacterial mouthwash around the time you drink it
Doctors say bacteria in your mouth convert nitrate into nitric oxide, and mouthwash reduces these bacteria and temporarily decreases nitrate conversion.
Always read nutrition labels
Beet juice naturally contains sugar, but a few packaged versions have added sugars and other ingredients. So, always opt for a no-added sugar version, which gives the best benefits without extra sugar.