Studies on the antioxidant rich fruit reveal a natural way to reduce post exercise muscle pain. Results from studies to show that drinking the juice of tart cherries, filled with anthocyanins 1 and 2 along with flavonoids relieves the pain associated with inflammation which can have a significant impact on relieving muscle and joint soreness.
Researchers from the Oregon Health and Science University in America studied runners who drank cherry juice twice a day for seven days prior to and on the day of a 192 mile relay race. Those drinking the juice reported 23% less muscle pain following the race than those who drank a placebo fruit juice alternative.
Sports medicine specialist, Dr Kerry Kuehl, says: “Research suggests that tart cherry juice may work like common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These are used by millions of people to treat pain and inflammation after exercise.
“Also, drinking tart cherry juice may help people avoid some of the negative side effects associated with NSAIDs” (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
US sports dietician, Leslie Bonci, Director of Orthopedic Surgery and the Centre for Sports Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre endorses the muscle recovery properties of Montmorency cherries with a three step plan to keep runners on their feet from start through to finish line.
| Step 1: Reduce Inflammation | Drink 300ml glass of tart cherry juice | If exercising in excess of an hour, replace electrolytes with carbohydrate liquids and foods | Reduce pain and inflammation with anti-oxidant rich cherries |
| Step 2: Stay Hydrated | Start your workout with 600ml of water Add ¼ tsp of salt to your pre-exercise beverage | Stay hydrated by drinking at least 400ml each hour you’re active | Replace lost fluids by drinking 700ml for every pound lost |
| Step 3: Nourish your body | Choose small carbohydrate-based meals like oatmeal accompanied by a cherry juice drink. | If exercising in excess of an hour, replace electrolytes with carbohydrate liquids and foods | Restore and refuel with good mix of protein and carbohydrates and cherries |
Source:CMI
Cherry juice is already popular in the United States, since the 1990’s numerous studies have been published detailing the health benefits and antioxidant content of the fruit.
The pain-relieving power of cherry juice was put through its paces at the New York Marathon November 2009 with a stand at the races Expo event attended by thousands of runners to learn about the natural recovery routine and recuperating powers of cherries.
