Muscles are good for more than just looking beefy. They help you exercise safely and efficiently. That's why you should consume beet juice to strengthen your muscles.
These and other nitrate-rich drinks can boost muscular strength, according to a recent research.
The University of Exeter, University of Queensland, and US National Institutes of Health conducted the study.
The randomized, crossover research gave 10 healthy males potassium nitrate or a placebo. Muscle biopsies were done before, 1 hour after, 3 hours after, and after exercise.
After consuming the potassium nitrate solution, individuals had higher nitrates in their leg muscles for hours. Potassium nitrate increased muscular torque and strength by 7% compared to placebo.
We demonstrate for the first time that pre-exercise muscle nitrate levels affect force production "said the study's corresponding author, Exeter University's applied physiology professor.
Nitrate appears to increase muscular contraction via converting to nitric oxide, which affects the contractile apparatus.
Celery, lettuce, beet juice, and beetroot juice contain nitrates, nitrogen-oxygen compounds created by the body.
Nitrate-containing foods and drinks improve oxygen conversion into energy, increasing endurance and power during exercise.
If you want to provide more nitrate-rich foods, "spinach, arugula, endive, radishes, cherries, cranberries, grapefruit, tomato, carrot, and green leafy vegetables.
Nitrate-rich diets lower blood pressure. Vitamins A and K, calcium, magnesium, and iron in these veggies promote healthy skin and bones.