Nitrates in beetroot could help people exercise up to 16% longer

The study carried out by a team at the University of Exeter found that a nitrate found in the beetroot leads to a reduction in oxygen uptake, making exercise less tiring. Just under a pint of beetroot juice a day also lowers blood pressure.

Eight men aged 19-38 were used in the study and given 500ml of organic beetroot juice per day for six days before completing a series of cycling tests.
After drinking the beetroot juice the men were able to cycle for longer and their muscles did the same amount of work but used less energy.

Study research Professor Andy Jones said ‘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. I am sure professional and amateur athletes will be interested in the results of this research. I am also keen to explore the relevance of the findings to those people who suffer from poor fitness and may be able to use dietary supplement to help them go about their daily lives.’