Beetroot Juice Supplementation as a Healthy Aging Strategy Through Improving Physical Performance and Cognitive Functions: A Systematic Review

<b>Background:</b> Findings show that beetroot-derived nitrates can improve endurance, oxygen efficiency, muscular power, recovery and cardiovascular function, particularly in recreationally active or moderately trained individuals. However, results are mixed in elite athletes, likely due to their already optimized nitric oxide utilization. Cognitive function is a crucial aspect of athletic performance enabling athletes to adapt to dynamic environments and execute skills effectively, but evidence for cognitive benefits of nitrate-rich beetroot supplementation is limited and inconsistent. The combination of improved physical activity and cognitive functions contribute to overall healthy aging and extending life expectancy. This highlights the synergistic role of nutrition, exercise and mental agility in promoting long-term well-being. <b>Methods:</b> The literature review was conducted to summarize and systematize existing evidence on beetroot juice supplementation on physical performance and cognitive function in both, healthy adult population and athletes. <b>Results:</b> Overall, beetroot supplementation demonstrates strong potential as a natural ergogenic aid for enhancing physical performance, but current evidence on cognitive improvement remains inconclusive. <b>Conclusions:</b> Further research, particularly involving female or elite athletes, is needed to establish clear recommendations of beetroot juice supplementation as a supportive element of exercise capacity and cognitive abilities contributing to maintaining health and thus healthy aging.