Step Up to the “Beet”! How to Get to the Root of Muscle Performance
Posted: February 6, 2023 | By: Youngevity
Cruising the supermarket aisles during the dead of winter can occasionally feel less than inspiring, compared to the colorful and bountiful summer months. You may pass by the humble potato, the meek brussel sprout, the unassuming beet. But what might surprise you is that the beet holds recently discovered secrets to unlocking health and vitality!
Recent studies suggest that beetroot is high in nitrates, which may positively affect muscle performance. Nitrates are naturally occurring compounds found in beets, as well as some leafy greens. They are converted in the body to nitric oxide, which is a molecule that causes blood vessels to dilate and improve blood flow. And, of course, increased blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, allowing for improved performance during physical activity.
According to Sciencedaily.com, a new study conducted in collaboration with the University of Queensland, Australia, under the QUEX partnership with Exeter, “Consuming dietary nitrate — the active molecule in beetroot juice — significantly increased muscle force while exercising.”
Similarly, in a study published by nutraingrediates-usa.com, the authors discuss evidence-based findings that show consuming beetroot juice 🥤prior to physical activity can increase endurance and reduce fatigue, allowing for better performance during high-intensity exercise. HIIT anyone? 💪 The nitrates in beetroot have also shown to improve muscle contractility (i.e. the ability for a muscle to quickly contract or tighten), which results in increased power output and quicker recovery.
In addition to its effects on blood flow, nitrates have also been shown to increase mitochondrial efficiency, the ability of the muscles to produce energy and improve the efficiency of the body’s cardiovascular system in absorbing and transporting oxygen. The end result: Your muscles are able to work harder for longer, leading to improved performance during endurance activities like running or swimming.
So, go ahead! Give your Cardiovascular System a boost. Having the capacity to hike, bike, or run a little longer is largely based on how well your cardiovascular system is expending oxygen and circulating blood flow throughout your body. And with new research further supporting what Youngevity has known for years, Cardiobeets is the perfect pal to add to your workout regimen.
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