Kourtney Kardashian Barker
Beet juice has entered the Poosh team chat. Kourt recently told us that she drinks beet juice every day before working out, and we were intrigued. How, exactly, can beet juice help with workouts? What other beet benefits have we been sleeping on? Here’s what we found out about this root-vegetable juice.
Helps boost energy during your workout
Yep, it’s kind of like nature’s (no-caffeine) pre-workout. A small 2012 study found that drinking beet juice helped improve participants’ stamina and physical performance during workouts. Researchers also found that the muscles of people who drank beet juice used energy more efficiently during exercise.
Beet juice also contains a lot of natural compounds called nitrates. You’ve probably heard about them before as something to avoid—this is true when it comes to processed meats. But the nitrates in beets are super beneficial. Our body converts them into nitric oxide, which increases blood flow so nutrients like oxygen get where they need to go more quickly.
Good for your <3
Beet juice also benefits our heart and helps lower blood pressure. Researchers believe this is because the nitric oxide we make from the nitrates helps dilate and relax our blood vessels. And beet juice actually contains more nitrates than cooked beets, as heating them can diminish some of their nutrients.
Reduces inflammation
Ahh, inflammation. We know that chronic inflammation = bad (here’s a refresher, if you need one), and antioxidants can help reduce inflammation. Beets contain a lot of antioxidants, but betalains in particular stand out. These water-soluble—meaning, our body doesn’t need fat to absorb them—antioxidants are badasses when it comes to fighting off free radicals. (They’re also the pigment that gives beets their color.)
Helps protect the liver
Studies suggest that betaine, a compound in beets, may help protect the liver from fatty deposits and toxins. It also may help the liver work more efficiently.
The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Poosh, LLC (“Poosh”) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. You understand and agree that Poosh shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.
Up next, be the first to know our weekly content and sign up for our Poosh newsletter.
