Beet Root For Athletes: Benefits And How to Use It

Beetroot is a well-known vegetable that is often used in salads or as a side dish. Beetroot is also gaining popularity as an athletic performance enhancer. It contains high levels of nitrates, which are beneficial for athletes because they improve athletic performance. In this post, we will discuss the benefits of beet root for athletes and how to use beetroot to improve your athletic performance.

How Beetroot Can Improve Athletic Performance

Beetroot is a natural source of nitrates, which the body can convert into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, meaning that it relaxes and widens blood vessels. This can improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles, which can enhance athletic performance. Beetroot has been shown to improve exercise performance in a variety of ways.

For instance, it has been shown to increase time to exhaustion, VO2 max, and power output. In addition, beetroot has also been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate.

Beet root is a rich source of antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, carotenoids, and flavonoids. The antioxidants in beetroot help to protect the body from free radical damage caused by exercise and high-performance sports.  These nutrients help to protect the body against oxidative stress, which can damage cells and lead to inflammation.

Inflammation can cause muscle soreness and fatigue, which can impair athletic performance. By reducing inflammation, beetroot can help athletes to perform at their best.

All of these effects can lead to improved athletic performance. As a result, beetroot is a popular supplement among athletes looking to gain an edge over their competitors.

How to Use Beetroot to Improve Athletic Performance

There are several ways that athletes can use beetroot to improve their performance. One way is to drink beetroot juice before exercising. Since beetroot juice is high in nitrates and antioxidants, it can improve exercise performance.

Another way to consume beetroot is by eating cooked beets or taking beetroot supplements. Beet supplements are a convenient way for athletes to get their daily dose of dietary nitrates. You can find them as capsules, pills, tablets, or in powder forms.

Beetroot powder is one of the more popular forms of beetroot supplements because it is easy to mix with water or other beverages. However, beet root pills or capsules are much more convenient. For those who are not big fans of swallowing pills then stick with the powdered form.

The recommended dosage for beetroot supplements is 300-600mg per day. However, it is best to start with a lower dose and increase it gradually to avoid any side effects. Beetroot supplements should be taken two to three hours before exercise for the best results.

What Are The Side Effects of Beetroot For Athletes

Beetroot is a common ingredient in many pre-workout supplements. And although it is often touted for its ability to improve athletic performance, there is still some debate about its effectiveness.  

However, there is one potential side effect of beetroot that all athletes should be aware of: it can act as a natural blood thinner. This means that it may help to reduce the risk of blood clots, but it could also lead to increased bruising and bleeding.

Therefore, if you are taking any blood thinners or are planning on undergoing surgery, you should avoid taking beetroot supplements. Overall, beetroot appears to be safe for most people, but it is always best to speak to your trusted healthcare provider if you are on any medications.

When taken in supplement form it can cause gas and bloating. It's important to drink plenty of water if this occurs, lower the dosage, or try taking them with a meal. If this continues then you may need to try cooked beets or discontinue consuming beets altogether, as your body just isn't reacting to it well.

Final Thoughts

So, is beet root safe and effective for athletes?

Athletes have been using beetroot to enhance their performance for years. Beetroots are a rich source of nitrates, which help improve the flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body.

They can also help reduce fatigue and muscle soreness. If you’re looking to give your athletic performance a boost, adding beetroot to your diet is a great way to do it.

You can eat them raw or cooked, but make sure to drink plenty of water when you consume them, as they do contain sugar. There are a rare few side effects associated with eating beetroots, some people may experience gastrointestinal problems or diarrhea.

As long as you stick to the recommended dosage and drink plenty of fluids, you should be able to enjoy all the benefits that beetroot has to offer athletes without any negative consequences.