Natural Performance Enhancer In Beets and Shellfish

First the numbers. When 16 college-aged cyclists consumed a beverage with betaine twice a day for seven days, their anaerobic power increased 5.5 percent. The experiment, performed by researchers at Ithaca College’s Exercise and Sport Sciences, tested the cyclists three times and ran a control test with a commercial sports drink, so yes, it seems legit. What’s betaine? It’s a chemical compound found in wheat, shellfish, spinach, and sugar beets, and many other foods, and it’s also available in powder form. The Ithaca researchers suggest dissolving 2.5 grams of betaine (either powder or tablet form) in a 20-ounce sports drink, and drinking half in the morning and half in the afternoon. Read more in an Ithaca College news release.