| The study
showed people who drank tart cherry juice while training for a long
distance run reported significantly less pain after exercise than those
who didn't. Post-exercise pain can often indicate muscle damage or
debilitating injuries.
In the study of sixty healthy adults aged 18-50 years,
those who drank 10.5 ounces cherry juice (CHERRish 100% Montmorency
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. On a scale from
0 to 10, the runners who drank cherry juice as their "sports drink" had
a 2 point lower self-reported pain level at the completion of the race,
a clinically significant difference.
While more research is needed to fully understand the
effects of tart cherry juice, researchers say the early finding indicate
cherries may work like common medications used by runners to alleviate
post-exercise inflammation.
"For most runners, post-race treatment consists of
RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) and traditional NSAIDS
(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)," said Kerry Kuehl, M.D., a
sports medicine physician and principal study investigator. "But NSAIDS
can have adverse effects – negative effects you may be able to avoid by
using a natural, whole food alternative, like cherry juice, to reduce
muscle inflammation before exercise."
The researchers suggest cherries' post-exercise
benefits are likely because of the fruit's natural anti-inflammation
power – attributed to antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins, which
also give cherries their bright red color.
Whether elite athletes or weekend warriors, this
natural anti-inflammation power of cherry juice could have far-reaching
benefits for the millions of active Americans currently taking
over-the-counter pain medications to reduce muscle pain and beyond. A
growing body of research suggests cherries could affect inflammation
related to heart disease, arthritis and may even help maintain muscle
strength for those suffering from fibromyalgia (a common, chronic
widespread pain disorder), according to a second study presented by the
same researchers at the ACSM conference.
It's Easy to Enjoy "America's Super Fruit"
Cherries are not only good for you, but they're also a
homegrown "Super Fruit." According to recent data, more than 9 out of 10
Americans want to know where their food comes from, nearly 80 percent
say they're purchasing "locally produced" products, and the majority are
defining "local" as made in America.
This homegrown advantage, coupled with potential
health benefits for athletes, make cherries "America's Super Fruit."
Tart cherries come in dried, frozen and juice forms so they're readily
available to enjoy all year long.
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Kuehl KS, Chestnutt J, Elliot
DL, Lilley C. Efficacy of tart cherry juice in reducing muscle pain
after strenuous exercise. American College of Sports Medicine. 851. May,
2009.
Jones KD, Elliot DL, Kuehl KS, Dulacki K. Tart
cherry juice for fibromyalgia: new testing paradigm and subgroup
benefits. American College of Sports Medicine. 852. May, 2009.
Surveys conducted IRI Data and The Hartman Group,
2008
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