Kristen Anderson of Vancouver 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.
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For men, NO helps maintain erections by relaxing blood vessels and allowing greater blood flow to penile tissue. For women, it supports clitoral and vaginal engorgement, leading to heightened pleasure and responsiveness. “Without enough NO, performance suffers—whether it’s on the trails or in intimacy,” Anderson says.
The mind-body connection: more than just physical
Whether you’re racing or engaging in intimacy, performance isn’t just about physiology—it’s also about mindset. “Your brain is the most powerful sex organ,” Anderson notes. Just as confidence and focus drive athletic success, emotional connection and relaxation are crucial for sexual performance.
Stress, anxiety and distraction can block peak athletic output, just as they can interfere with arousal and orgasm. “I train my athletes to strengthen their mindset for sport, and I use the same approach with clients looking to improve their sexual health,” Anderson says. “When we remove mental barriers, performance becomes more consistent and enjoyable.”
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 nerve function means stronger, more pleasurable sensations, whether you’re crossing a finish line or experiencing intimacy,” 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. For those looking to enhance both athletic and sexual performance, the science is clear: supporting blood flow, mindset, and hormone balance can lead to peak performance in every area of life.
