Hot Links

Nitrate (Beetroot juice)

Beetroot juice is one of the more recent sports supplements under scrutiny from Sports Dietitians Australia.

This juice is gaining popularity as it contains a high level of nitrate and can be made by juicing beetroot at home.

It can also be purchased as a more palatable and concentrated commercial supplement (e.g. Beetroot It® shots) which delivers as much nitrate in 70mls as would be available in 500mls if made from juiced beetroots at home.

What’s all the fuss about nitrates?

Once consumed nitrate is converted in the mouth and stomach to nitric oxide (NO). NO acts as a vasodilator, opening blood vessels and allowing more blood to be delivered to muscles. Nitrate can also reduce the energy cost of exercise and positively affect muscle contraction.

Beetroot juice research is still in it’s infancy but read on to find out :

  • Who does it suit?
  • What are the side effects?
  • What should be the dosage strategy?

If you are keen to assess your sport nutrition plans then contact us today

Also in Hot Links View all »

  • Does one size fit all?

    There's lots of nutritional advice available for the general public these days. But is all this information applicable to the needs of athletes? One size certainly does not fit all according to USA Sports Dietitian Nancy Clark Read more »

  • Exploring the nutrition landscape of vegan...

    There's alot of interest in plant-based diets these days. What are some of the considerations and trade-offs such as nutrient adequacy and costs, that need to be considered if adopting a vegan lifestyle? Find out more.. Read more »

  • New data shows hungry teens 4 years behind...

    New Zealand’s Health Coalition says food poverty has contributed to the nation’s poor performance in an international education achievement test for 15 year olds. Find out how and why? Read more »

  • Throws and power sports

    During summer, interest in track and field athletic events like javelin, discus and shotput, increases. These sports do require power to lift and throw and also a requirement for speed at the run up. Sports nutrition can really help.. Read more »

  • Food Trends 2024

    Against advances in technology, culture and economic shifts the International Food Information committee (IFIC) presents its annual food trends forecasts. Learn whats coming up in the world of food, beverages and shopping. Read more »

  • People in the worlds ‘blue zones’...

    Improving our healthy life expectations remains a global challenge, yet some countries manage to do it. The world's so called 'blue zones' seem to have what it takes for people to live longer. Find out what this may be..... Read more »

  • Health of esport athletes must be prioritised...

    Esports are a global phenomenon that are being taken up by people of all ages. However concern is being expressed, about the health of players sitting for long periods of time, in a new book on the subject. Learn more Read more »

  • Pregnant women may be missing vital nutrients

    The prevalence of vital nutrient deficiencies among women attempting to become pregnant in wealthy countries is a serious concern according to new studies that also call for more nutrition advice regarding the plant-based diet. Read more »

  • Any activity is better for your heart than...

    Replacing sitting with as little as a few minutes of moderate exercise a day tangibly improves heart health, especially if this can become a long-term habit, according to new research from the University of Sydney & UCL Read more »

  • Addictive foods

    Food cravings are not uncommon but what about food addictions? New research reported in the British Medical Journal is throwing light on the role that ultra- processed foods may be having on our health. Read more »

  • Sports nutrition news you can use

    There's lots of news for Sports Dietitians to get through in order to provide practical tips for athletes and active people to apply. This month my US colleague Sports Dietitian Nancy Clark provides a great summary for us all. Read more »

  • It’s Movember: with diet and lifestyle...

    The health awareness issue this month focusing squarely on men's health. The importance of diet and a healthy lifestyle to their well being,mental health, exercise and treatment of prostate and testicular cancer Read more »

  • Feeling fatigued…is it a bug or flu,...

    Iron deiciency can sap your personal power, leaving you feeling sad and fatigued. The symptoms are similiar to the flu and Covid 19 so Iron Awareness Week is reminding us all how important it is to learn more and get treatment. Read more »

  • The one about power

    How can you find your personal power zone? How can you protect it and know when your levels of power are changing? Here's some thoughts from Ish Cheyne and Sacha Coburns presenters on the Not So Breakfast Show Read more »

  • Hot topics in sports nutrition: update from...

    Sports nutrition is an exciting subject so for a quick update on some leading topics lets take a look at a recent blog by sports dietitian Nancy Clark who attended a meeting of the Amercian College of Sports Medicine in Colorado Read more »

  • Scientists warn a type two diabetes pandemic...

    As the incidence of type 2 diabetes increases researchers from Otago University are calling for a National Food Strategy and ministerial task force to review all areas of the food environment, production and consumption in NZ Read more »

  • Kiwi diets not worth its salt

    High salt (sodium) diets increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and can weaken bone density. What dietary changes could we personally make to achieve significant salt reduction and better health? Read more »

  • Sustain: Plant-based foods for active people

    If you would like to learn more about eating plant-based foods and how to maintain your energy and nutrient needs when you are active, then this book is a great source of recipes and practical nutritional information. Read more »

  • Sports nutrition for Soccer

    Soccer is becoming increasingly popular among secondary school children in Australia and NZ. So let's take a look at the nutritional guidelines from Sports Dietitians Australia. For your own personal sports nutrition plan talk to Lea Read more »

  • Energy drinks and energy shots are they right...

    Energy drinks and energy shots are big business these days. However are they right for you and will they improve your performance? This new position paper from The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) takes a look. Read more »

  • How to cook vegetables videos

    We are not born knowing how to cook, yet for good health we do need to know how to prepare fruits and vegetbales simply. These easy videos show us how and vegetables.co.nz website is packed full of recipe ideas too Read more »

  • Power to weight ratios: costs and benefits

    The drive to better health these days is to build strong, fitter bodies. Many sports require athletes to drop fat and to build more muscle and this is possible but it takes nutrition education & care. See an Accredited Sports Dietitian Read more »

  • The secret to being your own best Psychologist

    Therapy with a clinical psychologist can be life changing and of real benefit to some people. Here clinical psychologist Karen Nimmo offers DIY tips and tools to help people tap into their own strengths when life get tough Read more »

  • Salad Generator

    Are you feeling stuck, unsure of how to use up leftovers? Check out the Salad Generator on the Beef and Lamb website and while you're there take a look at their great recipe section. Even non-meat lovers will find inspiration! Read more »

  • Return to exercise post Covid-19 infection

    Whether you are a recreational or elite athlete recovering from Covid-19, you may be wondering when you should be getting back into training and competition especially if you have long Covid or other health issues. Learn more. Read more »

  • Making weight: helpful or harmful?

    While many athletes would like to lose weight for better performance some need to in order to make weight for their chosen sport. Here Sports Nutritionist Nancy Clark looks at the pros and cons associated with doing this. Read more »

  • Easy meals with vegetables

    Vegetables.co.nz continually strive to keep 'kiwi's' well. Here they team up with Te Hiring Hanora /Health Promotion Agency (HPA) and the Heart Foundation to bring us cheap and easy resources to up our vege intake. Read more »

  • Sports nutrition for swimming

    Swimming requires serious commitment to training and elite swimmers train anywhere between 6-12 times per week. Sessions can cover 10 km and include 1-2 km of high intensity sprints. In this great factsheet by Sports Dietitians Australia you can find out more about: Body composition Training diet for swimmers What to have for breakfast How … Read more »

  • Rather than giving yourself a boring, tiring...

    At this time of year it’s easy to look back on the year just gone and give yourself a pass mark, a “could do better” or a (deeply compassionate) fail. Find out what Pyschologist Karen Nimmo advises for a simpler, kinder approach Read more »

  • Are you eating enough to fuel performance?

    Are you eating enough for performance? The Australian Insititute of Sport has recently put out two excellent infographics on the subject of energy deficiency, why it happens, its affects on performance and what you can do. Read more »

  • A stable gut helps elite athletes perform better

    Researchers in the UK have studied the impact of high protein and high carbohydrate regimes on the stability of microbiome in the gut to see if this can alter performance of endurance athletes during time trials. Learn more... Read more »

  • Is fake meat healthy? And what’s actually...

    For people keen to reduce their intake of animal products and eat more plant based foods, fake meat may seem like a good alternative. So how healthy is it? Can it reduce our weight and cholesterol and is it good for the planet? Read more »

  • Low iron is a health risk made worse with Covid...

    Feeling tired and washed out? Maybe you're iron deficient. Its a worldwide problem. New research shows Covid 19 may be altering our gut health, reducing iron absorption and the effectiveness of supplementation. Learn more Read more »

  • The secret to mastering life’s biggest...

    Are you feeling 'stuck' in a chapter of your life that you're ready to move on from? Maybe you feel caught in uncertain, painful and confusing times. This Ted Talk with author Bruce Feller offers some powerful tools to help. Read more »

  • The weight of a women

    Jenni knows there must be more to life. She believes her life will finally begin when she loses her excess weight but what she learns not only changes her perspective on her weight concerns but the way she sees herself. Read more »

  • Walnut consumption early on in life may lead...

    Research has found that consuming walnuts early in life could create a bridge to other health promoting lifestyle habits helping to reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and heart disease as we age. Read more »

  • Healthy eating on a budget eBook

    A lot of people are finding it tough right now to make ends meet. So here's some valuable resources from Sanitarium that will give you budget friendly recipes along with some healthy tips for eating on less. Read more »

  • Moving on from dissapointments in sport

    Disappointments come in life through lost opportunities at sport, work, school or relationships. Its normal to feel frustrated and sad. This 4 minute 'On the Couch' video with Karen Nimmo clinical psychologist offers tips to help. Read more »

  • Can diet help athletes manage ADHD?

    ADHD is characterised by hyperactivity, impulsivity and/or inattention What are some of the issues facing athletes with ADHD and how might changes in their diet, meal times and certain nutrients improve management? Find out. Read more »

  • Eating eggs during pregnancy

    Eggs are a healthy source of dietary protein and valuable vitamins and minerals important for good health especially during times of increased needs such as during pregnancy. Find out about quantity and safety issues.. Read more »

  • When ultra-processed food aren’t bad:...

    When we hear the words ultra-processed foods most people think of unhealthy junk foods. But how far should this designation go when thinking about healthy foods being put together in a factory? Are they to be trusted? Read more »

  • Caffeine and Athletic performance

    For the latest news on caffeine and it's link to improved performance read this report from Dietitian Nancy Clarke summarising a talk she attended covering which sports benefit from caffeine use?, how much? etc... Read more »

  • Microgreens and sprouts punch well above their...

    Find out more about Microgreens and Sprouts. Easily grown bundles of nutritious greens that are punching well above their size for nutritional value. Read more »

  • Deficiency dilemma: Long-term gluten-free diets...

    Women with coeliac disease who follow long-term gluten free diets are at risk of multiple nutrient deficiency according to a new study. Read more »

  • Light exposure at night can affect the health...

    Most people get up to pee during the night, especially as they get older. However research has found that light exposure at night is linked to obesity, hypertension and diabetes among older adults. Are you at risk? Learn more. Read more »

  • Men’s health week: June 13-19th 2022

    Men's health week-June 13-19th 2022 is a global initiative marked in US, Europe and Australasia that focuses on the health issues all men face and raises awareness of the steps men can take to get help. Try their quizzes for fun Read more »

  • Move Your Butt

    'Move your Butt 'and help Bowel Cancer NZ to raise public awareness and funds to treat NZ's second biggest cause of death. Get fundraising ideas and tips plus check out the symptoms that could also help you to save a life. Read more »

  • Why we need to practice emotional first aid

    Why is physical health more important to us than emotional health? In this thought- provoking Ted Talk Psychologist Guy Winch offers important first aid for coping with failure, rejection, loneliness and negative thinking Read more »

  • Long Covid and Children’s Nutrition

    While children have been largely spared from the severe effects of Covid 19, reports are coming in of children suffering from long Covid. What are the symptoms? Who is most susceptible? Can dietary change build immunity? Read more »

  • Concussion worse in MMA and boxing after weight...

    Fighters who rapidly cut weight before bouts are at higher risk of suffering concussion or being misdiagnosed with head trauma according to researchers from St Mary’s University of Essex and Swansea University. Find out why? Read more »

  • Are Low carbohydrate diets effective for sports...

    Over the past five years has there been any changes in the use of Lo carb, high fat diets in sport? Here renowned sports nutritionist Louise Burke shares her insights into the use of keto diets and future trends in sport nutrition. Read more »

  • Half time snacks for active kids.

    Are oranges still in vogue as a half time snack for active kids? Find out more about Sports Dietitians Australia latest factsheet on what to eat and when and how you can access your own tailor made sports plan with Lea. Read more »

  • Health Star Rating update

    Changes are coming to the Health Star Food front of pack labeling system. Find out how this may affect you. Also learn more about work going on with food producers and manufacturers to make our food healthier. Read more »

  • Heart Foundation and Nuts Position Paper

    Are you thinking of reducing your meat intake but are unsure whether nuts and seeds are a good source of alternative protein? Find out more in this recently published position paper from the Heart Foundation Read more »

  • Yes, even athletes get heart disease

    Often athletes believe that if they are skinny and active they can safely eat high fat, high salt foods without this being detrimental to their health. In this great article by Dietitian Nancy Clarke we learn it's time to think again. Read more »

  • Sugar and Sweeteners

    The WHO recommends that we reduce our intake of sugar but should we instead use intense sweeteners? We look at two websites packed full of information to help you Read more »

  • Sport during school is linked to academic performance

    Researchers at the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre have found a positive link between the participation in sport played at school and academic performance. Find out more... Read more »

  • Sports nutrition for tennis

    Playing Tennis during hot summer months can pose extra nutritional demands on the body that need to be met to maximise performance. Sports Dietitians Australia offer some great tips to help you get the most out of your game Read more »

  • Gut Health Month

    Gut Health Month is your opportunity to learn if your bowel habits are healthy and to understand how nutrition impacts your gut health. Register now to access up to date resources on nutrition-related gut issues. Read more »

  • Covid and nutrition video for patients and...

    With Omicron now in NZ there may be times in the coming weeks when we may have to isolate at home or care for other family members or friends who may be sick. This video from Israel, made for hospital staff may help you too. Read more »

Would you like to subscribe to our fantastic FREE monthly newsletter?

Each month we'll keep you up-to-date with the latest nutritional articles and healthy recipes from LeaStening.com. You are free to opt out at any time, but we think you'll enjoy what we've got in-store for you.

Plus as a bonus offer — subscribe today and receive FREE weight loss tips for two weeks! Learn how a number of foods, many one would consider 'healthy', may in fact be slowing your progress.

Subscribe

Yes please, it sounds great! (and it's FREE after all).


OR

Enter

No thanks, I'm not interested (or I'm already a subscriber and really enjoying these fantastic newsletters!).