A study, just published in Cell Metabolism, shows that dietary nitrates, found in green, leafy vegetables like spinach, help our bodies produce nitric oxide(NO). Nitric oxide , among other things, helps open up our blood vessels to lower blood pressure.
In fact, many bodybuilding supplements contain NO in order to make the "engine" of our cells, the mitochondria, work better.
The study showed acute improvements in mitochondrial performance and a reduction in oxygen consumption in people who took a small amount of inorganic nitrate for three days. The amount they ingested is equivalent to a plate of spinach.
The only catch? The bacteria in our mouth is needed to convert the nitrate into nitric oxide. So, strong mouthwashes are out. And, we don't have evidence that chronic ingestion of nitrates have beneficial effects.
As an avid longtime spinach-eater, however, I'm willing to assert: "I'm strong to the finish 'cause I eats me spinach!"
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