What Is Beetroot Juice & Should You Drink It?

Greenletes / Sports Nutrition / What Is Beetroot Juice & Should You Drink It?

If you’re a runner (as I know many of my readers are), you’ve probably heard some rumblings about beetroot juice. If you’re wondering why many athletes have taken one of the most unpalatable veggies (in my opinion) and decided to start juicing it, there’s a good reason. Nitrates!

Nope, I’m not talking about the bad nitrates in deli meats. The nitrates in beetroot juice are converted to nitric oxide in the body, which helps the muscles take in more oxygen. Why does that matter? Well, that simple process can help you workout for longer without feeling tired. For anyone who runs, swims, bikes, etc. long distances, that could mean the difference between a PR and just another race.

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What is beetroot juice and why are athletes drinking it before competition? A Registered Dietitian explains the science behind this phenomenon, plus what it tastes like and what you should know about trying it! #sportsnutrition #runner #beetrootjuice #beets #triathlete #triathlon

I’ve experimented with beetroot juice for my races, and I’m a believer. In this new video, I’m telling you what it tastes like, what the research says and what you need to know about trying it. 

9 Comments

  1. Lindsey

    So informative, I’ve been hearing a lot about beet juice and this cleared up a lot for me, thanks!

    Reply
  2. Tawnie Kroll

    I LOVE beets so much!! Yum! Thanks for the info!

    Reply
  3. memeinge

    I really need to start adding beets to my diet, its just one of those vegetables that I don’t buy often!

    Reply
  4. Liz Shaw

    Great info- I love recommending beets to my athletes

    Reply
  5. Emily Kyle

    Loved the video for this, it makes so much more sense now! Thank you for sharing your expertise!

    Reply
  6. Keith

    Hi Natalie,
    I started drinking 1 cup of beetroot juice daily, I’d use a shot glass until I got used to the taste. A couple weeks ago I quite drinking it, I read that beetroot juice can cause kidney stones. I’m training for my black belt test in Krav Maga and would really like to continue drinking the juice as I have definitely seen the benefits in blood flow and performance. But, I had a tiny kidney stone last year and will do anything to avoid going through that again. Have you heard anything about beetroot juice potentially causing kidney stones? Thanks, Keith

    Reply
    • Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD

      Hi Keith–Thanks for reading and for your question. What you are reading online is correct–beets are high in oxalates, which can cause kidney stones in those that are susceptible to them. It may be better for you to avoid beetroot juice, since a kidney stone would probably sideline you, rather than help performance. Sorry that I forgot to mention that in my video!

      Reply
  7. Renee Sheehy

    Where’s a good place to buy beet it shots?

    Reply
    • Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD

      You can buy it on Amazon or at most sporting good stores. It will probably be near the cash register!

      Reply

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I’m Natalie Rizzo, an NYC-based Registered Dietitian.

My mission is to help everyday athletes fuel their fitness with plants.

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