Beetroot juice boosts stamina by up to 16%
Drinking beetroot juice increases stamina by up to 16 percent according to a new UK study. Researchers at the University of Exeter team found nitrate contained in the vegetable leads to a reduction in oxygen uptake, slowing the rate at which a person becomes exhausted and making exercise less tiring.
Study researcher Professor Andy Jones said that although the report is not sure of the exact mechanism that causes the nitrate in the beetroot juice to boost stamina, they suspect it could be a result of the nitrate turning into nitric oxide in the body, reducing how much oxygen is burned up by exercise.
"We were amazed by the effects of beetroot juice on oxygen uptake because these effects cannot be achieved by any other known means, including training," Jones added. "I am sure professional and amateur athletes will be interested in the results of this research.