Just another reason why veggies are so darn awesome: nitrate contained in beetroot juices leads to a reduction in oxygen uptake, which makes exercise less tiring. A University of Exeter team, based in the UK, found this key ingredient in beetroot, and the Journal of Applied Physiology suggests that a greater physical effect results from consuming beetroot than from regular training. The study focused on eight men who knocked back about 16 oz of beetroot juice for six consecutive days before being subjected to a series of tests. The subjects were able to bike further after having the beetroot juice versus the placebo. Take note, endurance athletes—if you want to stay on your feet, you better consume the beet!