Vancouver-based performance coach and sexual therapist Kristen Anderson first started drinking beet juice for its endurance-boosting benefits, and she noticed encouraging results. But as a performance coach specializing in sexual health, Anderson had another question: if beets could enhance endurance in sports, could they do the same for sexual performance? Here’s what you never knew you needed to know about beets, blood flow and performance.
As a midlife athlete competing against runners 15 years younger, Anderson was looking for an edge. What she found was better energy, faster recovery and improved stamina, leading her from her first half marathon to a Boston Marathon qualifying time. Her exploration of the power of beets could have many of us adding the vibrant vegetables to (almost) every meal.
The power of nitric oxide: more than just blood flow
At the heart of both athletic and sexual performance is nitric oxide (NO), a molecule that promotes blood flow. “Blood flow is the foundation of both athletic stamina and sexual response,” Anderson explains. In sport, NO helps deliver oxygen to working muscles, improving endurance and recovery. In the bedroom, NO increases circulation to the genitals, enhancing sensitivity and arousal; greater blood flow in both men and women means heightened pleasure and responsiveness. Anderson explains that without enough NO, performance suffers—whether it’s athletic or intimate.
The hormonal edge
Hormones play a critical role in both athletic ability and sexual function. Testosterone fuels libido, stamina and muscle recovery in both men and women, while estrogen supports tissue sensitivity and lubrication. Oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” spikes during orgasm and enhances emotional bonding.
Nerve sensitivity is another key factor. “Healthy nerves mean stronger, more pleasurable sensations,” Anderson explains. Athletes fine-tune their hormonal and nervous system responses for peak competition, and the same principles apply to improving sexual health.
A natural performance enhancer
Anderson recommends beets as a daily supplement to support NO production. Studies have shown that beetroot juice can increase NO levels, leading to improved circulation and endurance. “Beets are always on my menu—for better stamina on the road, in the gym and in the bedroom,” she says.
