The Beet Timing Secret: When is the Best Time to Drink Beetroot Juice?

Beetroot juice—that vibrant, earthy red elixir—has soared in popularity as a powerhouse health drink. Packed with essential nutrients, its star compounds are dietary nitrates, which your body converts into nitric oxide. This crucial molecule helps relax and widen blood vessels, promoting better blood flow.

But once you’ve juiced your beets, a common question remains: When is the best time to drink beetroot juice to maximize its benefits?

The truth is, the optimal time often depends on why you're drinking it. We've broken down the best timing for the two most common goals: lowering blood pressure and boosting athletic performance.

Goal 1: Lowering Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular Health

For those focused on supporting heart health and managing blood pressure, the best time to drink beetroot juice appears to be in the morning.

Why Morning is Best for Blood Pressure:

• Targeting the Blood Pressure Peak: Blood pressure naturally rises a few hours before you wake up and peaks around midday. By consuming beetroot juice in the morning, you time the peak nitric oxide concentration to coincide with this daily rise, potentially helping to blunt it.
• Optimal Absorption on an Empty Stomach: Many studies focusing on blood pressure have administered beetroot juice about 30 minutes before breakfast on an empty stomach. This timing may allow for better and more efficient absorption of the nitrates.
• Long-Lasting Effect: The positive effects of increased nitric oxide levels from beetroot juice can last for several hours (often up to 6–10 hours), meaning a morning dose can provide cardiovascular support for a significant portion of your day.

The Recommendation: Drink about 8 ounces (250ml) of beetroot juice first thing in the morning, 30 minutes before your breakfast, to support healthy blood flow throughout the day.

Goal 2: Boosting Athletic Performance & Stamina

If you're an athlete, a runner, or anyone looking to get more out of your workout, timing is everything to utilize the temporary boost in oxygen delivery.

Why Pre-Workout Timing is Crucial:

The body takes time to process the dietary nitrates in beetroot juice and convert them into beneficial nitric oxide. The blood concentration of nitric oxide typically peaks approximately 2 to 3 hours after consumption.

• Maximize Oxygen Efficiency: This peak timing is vital because nitric oxide helps improve oxygen use, making your muscles more efficient and potentially increasing your time to exhaustion. This is especially beneficial for endurance and high-intensity interval training.
• Endurance Sports: Studies have shown that consuming beetroot juice a few hours before an event or training session can significantly improve performance in activities like running, cycling, and swimming.

The Recommendation: Consume your beetroot juice dose 2 to 3 hours before your planned workout, competition, or high-endurance activity to ensure peak nitrate levels during your performance.

Is There a Bad Time to Drink Beetroot Juice?

While generally safe, there are a few considerations for other times of the day:

• Afternoon/Evening: If you are not drinking it for an afternoon workout, drinking it late in the day is not harmful, but the benefits for blood pressure or energy might not be as strategically timed.
• Before Bed: For most people, a glass before bed is fine. However, some sensitive individuals report that the mild energy boost from its nutrient profile can interfere with sleep. If you are sensitive to stimulants, it's best to avoid it right before turning in.

In Summary: Your Beetroot Juice Timing Cheat Sheet

Important Note

Beetroot juice is a fantastic nutritional supplement, but it is not a replacement for prescribed medication for conditions like high blood pressure. Always consult your doctor before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you are taking medication.

Ready to start juicing? Try Stamox Beetroot Powder