Muscle Recovery
Drinking cherry juice could reduce the pain and damage in muscles induced by exercise, says a small intervention study from the US.
Recent studies suggest cherries may have powerful pain relief benefits for active adults, from elite athletes to weekend warriors.
Research from Oregon Health & Science University revealed that runners who drank cherry juice twice a day for seven days prior to and on the day of a long-distance relay had significantly less muscle pain following the race than those who drank another fruit juice beverage.
Researchers believe cherries’ post-exercise benefits are likely because of the fruit’s natural anti-inflammation properties – attributed to antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins, which also give cherries their bright red color.
Dr. Kerry Kuehl, a sports medicine specialist at Oregon Health and Science University, said “Our research suggests that tart cherry juice may work like common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, used by millions to treat pain and inflammation after exercise.
The study, found that tart cherry juice made by Bellevue, Wash.-based CHERRish decreased post-exercise soreness in runners who took part in the annual 197-mile Hood to Coast Relay race. Immediately after the race, runners who drank 10.5 ounces of the juice twice a day during the event and for seven days prior reported pain scores that were 63% lower than those of runners who drank a placebo.
Cherries’ post-exercise benefits are good news for the increasing number of active adults who feel the aches and pain of post-exercise muscle soreness. The average age of today’s endurance athlete is 40-years-old (marathonguide.com). According to health and fitness experts, diet is a key part of training to manage pain.
The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, or ORAC scale is used to measure antioxidant powers and CHERRish juices have received ORAC’s highest rating from the Brunswick Laboratory. This means that they are the best juices out there to ensure you receive your daily amount of antioxidants. CHERRish Juice is also high in anti-inflammatory properties, and is certified Kosher.
