October 13/Chicago/Chicago Sun Times -- In two studies performed on 15 men, researchers at Exeter University found that cyclists who drank a half-liter (about a half-quart) of beet juice several hours before riding were able to ride 20% longer than those who drank a placebo. The researchers theorize that the high nitrate levels in beets allow muscles to work with less oxygen.
Yes, nitrates that are used to preserve meats such as hot dogs have a bad rep, but these are naturally occurring nitrates found in fruit and vegetables, not additives.