Is beetroot the new protein shake? Scientists at the University of Exeter found that consuming dietary nitrate, which is found in beetroot juice, can increase muscle force while exercising.

The team analyzed blood, muscle, saliva, and urine from 10 healthy volunteers who performed leg exercises. The nitrate boost increased muscle force by 7% compared to those who consumed a placebo.

“These results have significant implications not only for the exercise field, but possibly for other medical areas such as those targeting neuromuscular and metabolic diseases,” Dr. Barbora Piknova said.

Read Full Study