Cherry Juice Reduces Muscle Damage and Soreness After Intense Weight Training

Cherry Juice Reduces Muscle Damage and Soreness After Intense Weight Training

Cherry juice appears to be the real deal for protecting muscle tissue from damage during intense exercise ranging from marathons to monster weight-training workouts. A recent British study found that cherry juice accelerated recovery after a marathon (Scand J Med Sci Sports, 20:843, 2010). A second British study showed that Montmorency cherry juice promoted recovery and prevented muscle damage following intense weight training. Researchers speculated that chemicals in cherry juice, such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, prevent muscle oxidative damage and inflammation associated with exercise recovery. (Medicine Science Sports Exercise, published online January 11, 2011)