Anyone who watched the classic Popeye cartoons remembers that the beloved sailor always found super strength after eating spinach. Interestingly, a new study from the University of Exeter suggests there may be another vegetable that can provide a boost of strength: beets. Researchers found the active molecule in beetroot juice known as dietary nitrate significantly increased muscle force while exercising. Study participants who took a nitrate boost before exercise showed an increase in muscle force of 7%, compared to those who did not. Professor Andy Jones said that the study “provides the best evidence to date on the mechanisms behind why dietary nitrate improves human muscle performance.” Read more.
