This is one reason some athletes drink beetroot juice before endurance exercise.

But the effects aren't necessarily dramatic, and they vary between individuals.

Someone who eats a few slices of roasted beetroot with dinner should not expect an instant athletic transformation the next morning.

Nutrition works through patterns rather than magic.

Beets can contribute useful nutrients to a diet that also includes adequate protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, fluids, and micronutrients.

For recreational exercisers, there is usually no need to purchase expensive supplements simply because beets have become trendy.

A normal serving of whole beets can be a nutritious addition to a meal.

And unlike many heavily marketed supplements, beets are a whole food with a long history of culinary use.

Chapter 5: Are Beets Safe for Everyone?

For most healthy adults, beets can be safely included in a balanced diet.

But there are a few considerations worth knowing.