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beets and nasal breathing work to increase the body's levels of nitric oxide (NO), a critical molecule that helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow and oxygen delivery. They offer complementary benefits for cardiovascular health and exercise performance.
Beets (Dietary Nitrates)
Beets are a primary source of dietary nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide.
Improved Performance: Consuming beets (or beet juice/powder) can help the body perform the same amount of work while using less oxygen, improving stamina and performance during exercise.
Blood Pressure: The increased nitric oxide from beets helps blood vessels dilate (vasodilation), which lowers blood pressure.
Heart Health: Regular consumption supports overall cardiovascular health by improving circulation and potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.
Convenience: Beet supplements can provide a concentrated dose of nitrates quickly, with effects sometimes seen as soon as 45 minutes after consumption.
Nose Breathing (Physiological Function)
The nasal sinuses naturally produce nitric oxide, which is then carried to the lungs with each inhaled breath.
Oxygen Efficiency: Nasal breathing increases carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which helps the hemoglobin release oxygen to the tissues and muscles more effectively.
Air Filtration & Conditioning: The nose filters, warms, and humidifies the air, protecting the lungs from foreign particles, viruses, and bacteria.
Nervous System Regulation: It encourages the use of the diaphragm, which stimulates the vagus nerve and shifts the nervous system towards a calmer, parasympathetic state ("rest and digest").
Long-Term Health: Consistent nasal breathing (especially during sleep and exercise) is vital for proper jaw development, dental health, and avoiding issues like snoring and sleep apnea associated with mouth breathing.
Key Difference
The main distinction is the source of the nitric oxide: beets provide external, dietary nitrates, while nasal breathing utilizes the body's internal production in the sinuses. Both are effective and can be used in combination to maximize benefits for overall health and athletic performance. | |
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Beetroot supplements
