Beetroot Juice: The Ultimate Post and Pre-Workout Drink

Come winter and the pantry gets loaded with a colourful display of myriad seasonal produce. Radiant carrots, ruby red beets, fresh leafy greens, crunchy radishes et al. Winter veggies offer a whiff of freshness to the monotony of everyday food affair. They come with the most essential micronutrients that the body needs. Winter veggies are also apt to be juiced to give the body a substantial energy boost. One of the prime ingredients that go into making the quintessential vegetable juice is beetroot.The popularity of beetroot juice has gained much commercial attention over the past few years. Medical studies and scientific research have often linked beetroot juice consumption with enhanced sports performance. Beetroot is an excellent source of nitrates which are converted to nitric oxide by the enzymes in our saliva. The process helps in enhancing blood flow and boosts endurance. It is also known to facilitate treating hypertension.Beetroot juice when combined with carrot, ginger and immunity boosting lemon becomes a 'Miracle Drink'. The drink has numerous benefits on the brain and body. The slightly earthy, yet deliciously sweet flavour of this health boosting juice comes packed with Vitamins A, C, K, beta carotene, polyphenols, antioxidants and folate among other important micronutrients. A dash of ginger will provide you with anti-inflammatory benefits, while lemon juice boosts immunity and guards the body against bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. The drink has especially been lauded for its DOMS beating properties. Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is a condition wherein the muscles get extremely sore and stiff after a strenuous and highly exerting activity. The juice is known to have alleviating effects on DOMS and also helps in speeding up the recovery process after a heavy workout. Beetroot juice has traditionally been found to help improve endurance; it therefore works great as pre-workout drink too!Give this magical potion a try. Most companies sell packaged beetroot juice in combination with other ingredients like amla (Indian gooseberry), spinach, apple, celery, etc. Have it before hitting the gym or right after a long, strenuous run. The wonder of this healing drink will benefit your body in multitudinous ways. You can even juice it at home; it is simple, fuss-free and takes just about a few minutes.Here is the recipe:Ingredients:4 beetroots (Raw)4 carrots1 thumb of ginger1 lemonMethod:Put all the ingredients in your juicer. Juice until the desired consistency is reached. Enjoy!Article by MacroMitch for BodyPower_{Powered by BodyPower}Disclaimer:The opinions expressed within this article are the opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views  of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.