Beet (Beta vulgaris) is a root vegetable loaded with dietary nitrates. Your body turns those nitrates into nitric oxide, a molecule that relaxes blood vessels and supports healthy circulation.
Athletes take beet supplements. As juice, powder, or extract. To boost exercise performance and stamina. Better blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles can help you work out longer or more efficiently.
For best results, take beet 1 to 3 hours before physical activity. An empty or mostly empty stomach works best, though you should always follow the specific product instructions. The effects don’t last long, so timing it consistently around your workouts matters.
Beet can lower blood pressure. Be careful if you already take blood pressure medication. It may also interact with PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil for erectile dysfunction. The combination could drop blood pressure too much. Beet is high in oxalates, so anyone with a history of kidney stones should talk to a healthcare professional before using concentrated supplements.