ROOT · MATERIA №21
Beetroot
Beta vulgaris
The deep-red root that supports nitric oxide and endurance.
- Family
- root
- Origin
- Cultivated worldwide
- Format
- Concentrated powder
- Best taken
- Pre-workout
Beetroot is dense in dietary nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide via a two-step microbial pathway in the mouth and the body.
Used by endurance athletes for two decades for its effect on oxygen efficiency.
How it works in the body
Nitrate is reduced to nitrite by oral bacteria, then to nitric oxide in tissues. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels, improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to working muscle.
What you can expect
Endurance
Improves oxygen efficiency in steady-state efforts.
Good for: energy · recovery
Blood-flow support
Supports nitric oxide signalling in vessels.
Good for: recovery
04 — PROTOCOL
5–10 g of concentrated powder 1–2 hours before training.
05 — SOURCING
Concentrated powder with disclosed nitrate content. Cheap powders rarely deliver a meaningful dose.
06 — CAUTION
May lower blood pressure. Avoid antibacterial mouthwashes the day of use — they kill the oral bacteria needed for the conversion.
07 — PRODUCTS
Products with Beetroot
08 — PAIRS WELL WITH
Build the stack
Honest answers
- Why does my mouthwash matter?
- The conversion of nitrate to nitric oxide depends on oral bacteria. Antibacterial mouthwash blunts the effect.
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