Leafy greens key to maintaining muscles
Eating just one cup of leafy green vegetables every day could boost muscle function - people who consumed a nitrate-rich diet, predominantly from vegetables, had significantly better muscle function of their lower limbs.
Researchers examined data from 3,759 Australians over a 12-year period. They found those with the highest regular nitrate consumption had 11% stronger lower limb strength than those with the lowest nitrate intake. Up to 4% faster walking speeds were also recorded.
"Our study has shown that diets high in nitrate-rich vegetables may bolster your muscle strength independently of any physical activity. We know that nitric oxide is a vasodilator - it widens your blood vessels, allowing greater blood flow to your muscles, thereby facilitating musculoskeletal health."
