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My Reward PointsBeetroot powder has been used for centuries for its coloring properties. It has multiple benefits other than adding color to your food. Research indicates beetroots work as a performance & stamina enhancer, which helps in the recovery and overall performance of an athlete.
Beetroot powder is made from dried beetroot and contains belatain compound that helps in increasing oxygen and the flow of blood in the body. It allows beetroot to go with anything, and it can also be used in sweet and savory recipes and to enhance your taste pallet. It is essential to understand how beetroot powder works wonders in your performance enhancement.
Beetroot Powder as a Performance Enhancer
Beetroot has a unique blend of natural nitrates, a compound made out of oxygen and nitrogen that enhances your performance and makes you last longer. When nitrates mix with saliva, they transform into nitric oxide and nitrite in your body. It helps relax blood vessels and boosts oxygen delivery to the muscles. It goes beyond being a natural performance enhancement for athletes. Beetroot Powder has healing properties that help reduce inflammation and promote overall health in the human body.
Beetroot is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as an acceptable sports food. Beetroot Powder not only helps in athletic performance but also helps a person perform better sexually, as beetroot helps decrease high blood pressure and maintain it at a normal level, which helps alleviate erectile dysfunction.
5 Ways to Enhance Your Athletic Performance
1. Improved Endurance and Stamina
As beetroot powder boosts athletic performance, it is recommended to be taken continuously a few days before an event or athletic performance for better results. Nitric oxide increases the blood flow as well as oxygen to the muscles, which leads to higher performance and lasting stamina.
2. Faster Recovery
Its inflammation-fighting properties help athletes tackle constant muscle soreness, which leads to faster recovery time after an intense workout. Beetroot helps muscles to relax and expand which leads to better flow of oxygen to the various parts of the body.
3. Increased Strength and Power
Nitrates found in beetroot lead to increased strength and power due to muscle contractility (muscles' ability to shorten or tighten against any load). In a research study it was seen that after six days of incorporating beetroot into the diet of recreational athletes, they were able to ride bikes longer than before at a high intensity level as well.
4. Enhanced Cognitive Function
Studies suggest that increased flow of blood to the brain leads to better cognitive function (mental abilities), and sharper focus and concentration lead to intense workouts. It keeps athletes sharp and performs their best in an event.
5.Nitric Oxide Relaxes Blood Vessels
Nitric oxides help release tension from muscles and boost the oxygen supply to the muscles, creating lower blood pressure. Beetroot powder does wonders for runners as they have to keep going at a certain pace.
How to Use Beetroot Powder for Athletics
1. Pre-Workout Drink
Mix one teaspoon of beetroot powder with water, a smoothie, or a sports drink and consume it 30-60 minutes before exercise to maximize nitric oxide levels during training.
2. Post-Workout Recovery Shake
Adding beetroot powder to your protein shake or smoothie post-workout helps speed up muscle recovery and reduce soreness.
Can I Take Beetroot Powder every day?
Beetroot powder is mostly considered safe for day-to-day consumption. As we all know, moderation is the key. It will take your workout routine to the next level only if taken at the right time. It is suggested that you take it 2-3 hours before a workout in order to see results. Take two scoops of powder mixed with 250 ml of chilled water. As it is not your pre workout supplement, your body will require some time to absorb.
Risks/ Side Effects of Beetroot Powder
It is always recommended to consult a health professional before taking any sort of performance enhancer. Everyone is different, so the effect of beetroot powder is different. However, it is recommended to not have beetroot powder if you have kidney stones or have ever passed one. It has a high concentration of oxalates, which generally contributes to the development of kidney stones.
You need to know after taking regular intake of beetroot, it can cause changes in restroom habits, and it may change the color of your urine and stool. There is no need to be concerned as it happens due to the reddish/ pink pigment that beetroot has
Conclusion
Beetroot has gained a status as a functional food for athletic performance. It's a great alternative if you are looking to ditch your supplement and are on the lookout for something natural. Beetroot powder is not only for athletes' intensive workout sessions. Any adult can incorporate it into their diet and reap its benefits, from enhanced cognitive functioning to anti-inflammatory properties. From athletic performance to everyday well-being, it's a great source of nitrate.
