Drinking Beetroot Juice Can Keep Your Brain Young and Boost Muscle Power

• Beetroot juice comes packed with vitamins, beta carotene, antioxidants
• Drinking beetroot before exercising may aid brain performance
• Such benefits have been attributed to the high nitrate content

Beetroot may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no denying the fact that it comes with a host of health benefiting properties. The deep maroon coloured veggie is always striking on the plate, and when made into juice, is the best way to enjoy its earthy flavours. Therefore, to give yourself a health boost, it is advisable to make it a regular feature in your daily diet. Beetroot juice is particularly good for you if had before and after exercising. It is a primary ingredient in what is known as a miracle health drink – ABC, comprising apple, beetroot and carrot. If had every morning, it is touted to keep diseases at bay. The deliciously sweet flavour of this health boosting juice comes packed with Vitamins A, C, K, beta carotene, polyphenols, antioxidants and folate among other important micronutrients. Recent studies largely claim that beetroot juice can work wonders as a pre and post workout drink by boosting energy, blood flow and endurance.

Here are some of the benefits of drinking beetroot juice –

4. Boost Performance for Athletes

A study done by Kansas State University stated that the nitrate found in beetroot concentrate increases blood flow to skeletal muscles during exercise by almost 38 percent to fast-twitch muscle fibres – the ones used for explosive running. The study also found that in addition to improving athletic performance, beetroot can also improve the quality of life for those who have suffered heart failure by improving their blood flow.

5. Brings Relief from Sore and Stiff Muscles

According to an article by Bodypower, beetroot juice has especially been lauded for its DOMS beating properties. Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is a condition wherein the muscles get extremely sore and stiff after a strenuous and highly exerting activity. The juice is known to have alleviating effects on DOMS and also helps in speeding up the recovery process after a heavy workout. Beetroot juice has traditionally been found to help improve endurance; it therefore works great as pre-workout drink too!

A glass of beetroot juice helps in giving you all the vitamins and minerals in a concentrated form. If your mixture is too thick you can add some water to balance the consistency. Don’t remove the pulp that’s where all your fiber is. Also, remember that plain beetroot juice may contain oxalic acid and therefore it is good to blend it with other fruits or vegetables.

Source: http://food.ndtv.com/health/5-incredible-ways-beetroot-juice-can-boost-brain-and-muscle-performance-1683720