Pounding the streets for hours every day in preparation for a marathon? Sit down and drink some beetroot juice instead.Drinking a glass of beetroot juice has been found to boost stamina, allowing people to endure strenuous physical exercise for longer.
Research shows that the nitrate in beetroot juice leads to a reduction in oxygen uptake, slowing the rate at which a person becomes exhausted. Those drinking the juice can exercise for 16 per cent longer.
The scientists behind the study said that the reduction in oxygen use was greater than that achieved by any other known means, including training. The findings could be of interest to endurance athletes, elderly people or those with cardiovascular, respiratory or metabolic diseases, they added.
But there is a side-effect, albeit harmless. Drinking beetroot juice can lead to Beeturia, when urine turns pink or red because of acidity levels in the stomach.
After drinking a pint on Monday, a pint yesterday and half a pint today, I can't yet vouch for the boost in endurance, but I can confirm that it makes your week pink.
