Improve athlete performance with beets
Beets can be a bit of an acquired taste, but die to their many health benefits, you may really want to acquire this taste:
Improve athletic performance: several studies suggest that dietary nitrates may enhance athletic performance. For this reason, beets are often used by athletes. Nitrates appear to affect physical performance by improving the efficiency of mitochondria, which are responsible for producing energy in your cells.
Inflammation: Beets contain pigments called betalains, which may potentially possess a number of anti-inflammatory properties.
Digestion: dietary fibre is an important component of a healthy diet. It has been linked to many health benefits, including improved digestion. One cup of beetroot contains 3.4 grams of fibre, making beets a good fibre source.
Healthy brain function: a reduction in blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain may contribute to this decline. Interestingly, the nitrates in beets may improve mental and cognitive function by promoting the dilation of blood vessels and thus increasing blood flow to the brain. Beets have been shown to particularly improve blood flow to the frontal lobe of the brain, an area associated with higher-level thinking, such as decision making and working memory.
Anti cancer properties: The antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory nature of beets have led to an interest in its ability to prevent cancer. Beetroot extract has been shown to reduce the division and growth of tumour cells in animals.
Weight loss: beets are low in calories and high in water. Despite their low calorie content, beets contain moderate amounts of protein and fibre. These are both important nutrients for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. The fibre in beets may also help promote weight loss by reducing appetite and promoting feelings of fullness, thereby reducing overall calorie intake.
Lower blood pressure: studies have shown that beets can significantly lower blood pressure by up to 4–10 mmHg over a period of only a few hours.
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