Beetroot juice can commonly be found among the protein shakes and energy drinks in health food shops or on websites selling supplements. This purple wonderdrink has earned its spot in the market primarily thanks to the dietary nitrate found within this earthy purple globe. So what exactly does this dietary nitrate have to offer runners? And how can you ensure you get enough of it?
Why is dietary nitrate beneficial to runners?
After dietary nitrate has been eaten the body converts it into nitric oxide. Within the body nitric oxide causes our blood vessels (such as arteries, veins and capillaries) to widen, meaning oxygen can travel around the body more efficiently. When our muscles are working aerobically, as they are during a run, they require a constant supply of oxygen in order to keep producing energy. An improvement in oxygen delivery therefore means the body can work more efficiently during periods of aerobic exertion. As dietary nitrate enables the body to work more efficiently, it often results in an improved aerobic performance, which is why it’s of particular interest to runners.