If you are a hardcore athlete that runs marathons or just generally overworks your body on a regular basis, there might be some fruits and vegetables out there that can help relieve muscle soreness just a little faster. The nitrates contained within beetroot and spinach can help your blood vessels expand without putting more stress on the heart. This increased blood flow heals muscles faster. Montmorency cherries are also helpful in decreasing inflammation. It is thought that their juice can inhibit COX-2, which is a major element in inflammation. Keep these in mind if you frequently push yourself too hard.
Key Takeaways:
- How might beetroot provide a competitive edge? Nitrates.
- Studies show that nitrate-containing vegetables such as rocket, spinach and beetroot can increase the concentration of nitric oxide in the body
- The research shows that this not only benefits individuals with certain heart and lung conditions – it also helps athletes by decreasing the oxygen cost of exercise.
“Nitric oxide causes human blood vessels to become bigger, allowing more blood to flow without increasing work for the heart.”
https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/fitness/red-alert-how-beetroot-and-cherries-can-make-you-a-better-runner-1.2882233&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGmZmMDFkMTU2YWMzMmQ5OTU6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHslTmSs9or68Cgdk10T38IpX2RAw