Posted on 02/09/2011 8:36:57 AM PST by decimon
Study finds daily cherry juice reduces muscle damage caused by exercise
Tart cherries could help athletes reduce muscle damage to recover faster from a tough workout, according to new research published in the American College of Sports Medicine's journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
Researchers at the Sports and Exercise Science Research Center at London South Bank University in the UK gave 10 trained athletes 1 ounce of an antioxidant-packed tart cherry juice concentrate (provided by CherryActive) twice daily for seven days prior to and two days after an intense round of strength training. The athletes' recovery after the cherry juice concentrate was significantly faster compared to when they drank juice without the same phytonutrient content of cherry juice.
After drinking cherry juice, athletes returned to 90 percent of normal muscle force at 24 hours, compared to only 85 percent of normal at the same time point without cherry juice – a significant difference that could affect an athlete's next bout of performance. Researchers suggest that the powerful antioxidant compounds in cherry juice likely decreased oxidative damage to the athletes' muscles – the damage that normally occurs when muscles are worked to their max – allowing the muscles to recover more quickly.
Cherries and Muscle Recovery
This is the latest in a growing body of science linking cherries to muscle recovery. Researchers attribute the benefits to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant compounds in the red fruit called anthocyanins, also responsible for cherries' bright red color.
"Cherries are what I call an ultimate super food," said Dr. Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, registered dietitian and author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet: Lose Weight with the Power of SuperNutrients "Not only are they a perfect complement to a training routine since they're available year-round in dried, frozen and juice forms, but they taste great." Dr. Bazilian says some of her favorite ways to include cherries in the diet range from topping dried cherries in oatmeal to enjoying a smoothie of cherry juice and low-fat yogurt.
In addition to recovery benefits, research also suggests cherries could affect inflammation related to heart disease and arthritis.
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For more information on the recovery benefits of tart cherries, and to download the Red Recovery Routine, a guide to training with cherries, visit www.choosecherries.com.
Bazilian to one ping.
Cherries are one of the anti-aging foods. Also on that anti-aging list are: blood oranges, blueberries, shellfish, dandelion greens, oregano, thyme, parsley, crunchy veggies (celery, carrots, string beans, cauliflower), sea veggies, cheese & lentils, egg yolks, and salmon.
As someone who suffers from gout I will support this study, Black Cherry juice or Apple Cider Vinegar, will quickly stop a gout flare up.
Below is from my doctor, Dr Wright....you might find it helpful....
Huh! Interesting.
We had a black cherry tree in my yard growing up. Made a royal mess when the fruits dropped. But when and if we ever get a bigger plot of land, I’m putting one in first thing.
Good list, thanks, but what is a blood orange?
The blood orange is smaller than a regular orange and is darker inside.
Thank you!
would that be the messerschmidt, or bing crosby cherries?
I have found that the Tart without the cherries have helped me recover very quickly. I am a tennis player and there are plenty of Tarts where ever I go to play. The Tarts are usually very willing to assist in recovery.
I would recommend Tarts for recovery to all athletes.
I have used cherries to combat gout for years. A couple of cans can be found in my pantry at all times.
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