A small new study suggests that beetroot juice may help boost stamina.

In the study, seven men (aged 19-38) were randomly assigned to drink 500 milliliters of organic, nitrate-rich beetroot juice or placebo daily for six days. They completed exercise tests on stationary bicycles at the beginning and end of the study.

By end of the study, men in the beetroot juice were able to cycle an average of 92 seconds longer. The juice also helped muscles work more efficiently and reduced the rate at which muscles used ATP, their main source of energy. Their muscles also used less oxygen during low- and high-intensity exercise.

However, additional long-term research involving a larger sample size is needed before a definitive conclusion can be reached.

According to secondary sources, beetroot has been used since Roman times to treat various medical conditions, including fever, constipation, digestive illnesses, and blood conditions. In ancient Rome, it was also used as an aphrodisiac. Today, beetroot is still a popular medicinal tonic in Africa, where it is used in treatment of AIDS and other illnesses. Beet leaves also have a long history of use for medicinal purposes; it is alleged that Hippocrates promoted use of the leaves for treatment of wounds.

Human studies have tested the effects of beet on blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure levels. However, results are mixed. Early evidence suggests that it may be beneficial for inflammation of the abdomen and pelvic walls (called toxic peritonitis). Additional research is needed to determine if beet is effective for any medical condition.

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1. Bailey SJ, Fulford J, Vanhatalo A, et al. Dietary nitrate supplementation enhances muscle contractile efficiency during knee-extensor exercise in humans. J Appl Physiol. 2010 May 13. View Abstract
2. Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com