Beet The Competition Recipe from Men’s Fitness
The benefits of beet juice have researchers wondering just how far these will go.
Findings have already been published on the benefits of beet juice on lowering blood pressure.
Spurred on by such positive findings Cheryl Bushnell, MD, director of Wake Forest Baptist Health’s Comprehensive Stroke Center, decided to conduct a study to see if beet juice can help stroke victims with their recovery. The results look promising.
Not to be outdone, researchers are also studying the affect of beet juice on athletes both as a recovery drink and also as a natural performance enhancer.
While studies have been done on runners and competitive cyclists to see how they perform, the jury appears to be out as to how much of a difference beet juice might actually make on the outcome. There is a suggestion that recreational athletes might benefit more than professionals. What seems to be certain is that the nitrates in beet juice help muscles use oxygen more efficiently. And that seems to be the biggest link to performance and cardiovascular health. See the short overview in Shape magazine: Is Beetroot Juice the Next Exercise Drink?
If nitrates concern you, not to worry. These are not the same nitrates found in hot dogs and other cured meats. Nitrates from fresh vegetables don’t contain amines which are the culprits of concern. For a more thorough explanation see Why elite athletes guzzle beet juice before a race.
As for me, I will continue to add beets to my juicing regimen, as I did today after my workout, since the benefits appear to be worth it.
At the moment my recipe of choice comes from the booklet I received with my Breville Juicer.
This is a good beginner beet juice recipe since the added apples make this juice nice and sweet.
Beet, Apple and Celery Juice
Makes 2 cups:
Process beets, apples and celery through Juicer using high speed.
If you are used to juicing you may want to try another version. Here is one from www.mensfitness.com which combines the healthy beet with carrots and kale.
Beet the Competition Juice Recipe
Juice together in your juicer:
Whether or not your goal is fitness or better health, consider the mighty beet.
You may be pleasantly surprised at the results.