Beet Juice May Help Muscles Recover

After a tough workout, the best ways to recover do not have to be expensive. A cold bath may reduce soreness, but using one right after strength training may also weaken processes involved in muscle growth.

Stretching improves flexibility and range of motion, but it does not really speed up muscle repair. Evidence for electrical stimulation and hyperbaric chambers in healthy people is still limited. The foundation of recovery is still sleep, rest, a healthy diet, and moderate movement.

Regular beet juice may work surprisingly well. Its nitrates are changed by the body into nitric oxide, which widens blood vessels and may improve the flow of oxygen and nutrients to working muscles.

Studies suggest that beet juice may help strength return faster and reduce soreness after intense exercise. Interestingly, whole juice may work better than a supplement containing only nitrates because it also provides other compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.