Athletes are People first
(Regardless of performance benefits, add this)
I can’t remember how many Australian Strength & Conditioning Association courses I’ve presented…
I started around 2012 and some years I’d present as many as 6.
During the Nutrition section we’d inevitably chat about alcohol and training…
As a Coach, would you advise against alcohol? Would you ban it? Would you provide it?
This question always divided the delegates. And most had a strong opinion either way.
My stance?
My athletes are people first.
In other words, after a tough training block, or an intense match, if the athlete(s) wanted a quiet drink to socialise with teammates or coaches, I’d happily provide the drinks.
I apply a similar mindset to nutrition - athletes are people first.
So before I recommend ‘high performance supplements’ (whatever those are?), we first dial in their ‘health’ nutrition.
One of my most frequently prescribed health supplements to help improve health is beetroot powder.
Most coaches, exercise physiologists, dietitians, etc. seem to know about:
high nitrate content → conversion to nitric oxide (NO) → NO dilates blood vessels → this can help:
Athletes (endurance)
Erectile dysfunction
Reduce hypertension
etc
But if you’re judging beetroot on its NO capabilities alone, you’re missing out.
This 2015 study concludes:
In the human studies to date, beetroot supplementation has been reported to reduce blood pressure, attenuate inflammation, avert oxidative stress, preserve endothelial function and restore cerebrovascular haemodynamics.
And this 2026 study concludes that beetroot can:
…support vascular, metabolic and cognitive function…
While this 2021 study concludes:
…we have illustrated the ability of the main active beetroot ingredients in antioxidant, antitumor, lowing blood pressure, blood lipid, blood glucose, improving exercise performance, and many other aspects…
There is plenty more evidence out there and I am not going to do all your work for you.
But before you shoot out to grab some beetroot powder, ensure it’s:
Air, not spray, dried (the lower heat ensures more nutrients are preserved)
Glyphosate free (no point in poisoning your body in an attempt to get healthier)
Any questions or comments, leave below and I’ll reply.
Chat soon,
Grant
*Evidence-based, not necessarily HASTA certified.