The Role of Raw Beetroot in Enhancing Amateur Exercise Performance

Abstract

Abstract Objectives In a time when prolonged sitting is an important part of people's daily busy lives, any easy solution contributing to enhancing general stamina and amateur fitness physical performance in a safe and inexpensive way can be always attractive. Red beetroot (Beta vulgaris rubra) and its constituents known as having important health benefits in many various areas, has become increasingly popular in the arena of exercise performance, mainly due to high concentrations of nitrate. Previous studies done in different types of professional athletes - most of them using beetroot either as juice or powder - proved its clear efficiency in increasing the physical performance both in terms of speed and endurance. Could beetroot help as well other kind of individuals who due to their busy professions, though willing to stay fit, have less access to higher degree of physical activity? The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate in which measure beetroot can be used by amateurs willing to improve their general stamina and stay physically fit. Methods The benefits of plant compounds contained in beetroot - such as betanin, vulgaxanthin and inorganic nitrates - known to help increase the blood oxygenation, muscle strength, and mental acuity - were evaluated among healthy adults (age 25–60) during a short sessions of simple physical activity, repeated for 7–10 days. To compare, a single serving of 100 g raw beetroot was taken 1–2 hours prior the activity and evaluations were made. An intelligent health bracelet was used to measure some of the common vital parameters. Results Though modest, an average increase in the daily physical performance of 6.17%, a general increase of 31% at the end of the period of evaluation, and most of all, a visible increase in general stamina, shows the great potential beetroot has as ergogenic aid in moderate exercise. Conclusions Though raw beetroot may provide modest performance enhancement, the observations show to be encouraging and more research would be definitely needed, in a larger number of individuals, on a more diverse types of physical activities, and using more professional evaluating tools, in order to clarify the mechanism of action and eventually the proper dosing patterns. Funding Sources None.