
Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is the founder of Toby Amidor Nutrition ( ) and the author of the cookbook The Greek Yogurt Kitchen: More Than 130 Delicious, Healthy Recipes for Every Meal of the Day.

The results found that strength loss and pain were significantly less in subjects consuming cherry juice vs placebo. Two weeks later, subjects performed the same exercise, though on the opposite arm and after crossing over their initially assigned supplement. On the fourth day of supplementation, subjects performed eccentric elbow flexion contractions.

One theory proposed is that the high levels of polyphenols (including flavonoids and anthocyanins) found in tart cherry juice helped lessen the oxidative damage induced by the exercise.Ī 2006 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine examined the effects of a tart cherry juice blend vs placebo in 14 male college students.3 In this placebo-controlled, crossover design study, subjects consumed the tart cherry juice or placebo twice a day for eight consecutive days. Researchers concluded that cherry juice consumption did improve recovery of isometric muscle strength after an intensive workout. Results showed that the maximum voluntary contractions during recovery were significantly faster in the tart cherry concentrate group vs placebo.
#BENEFITS OF TART CHERRY JUICE DR AXE TRIAL#
After two weeks, a second trial was conducted on the alternate leg. Based on the data collected, researchers concluded that tart cherry juice appears to help with recovery of muscle function poststrenuous exercise by increasing total antioxidative capacity and reducing inflammation and lipid peroxidation.ĭecreased Muscle Damage and Strength LostĪ 2011 study published in Medicine & Science in Sports Exercise examined the effects of a Montmorency cherry juice concentrate or isoenergetic fruit concentrate on 10 well-trained male athletes using a crossover experimental design.2 Subjects consumed the concentrate for seven days before and 48 hours after unilateral leg exercise.

Numerous markers for muscle damage were examined both before and after the race. There's growing research that supports its benefit for helping athletes recover.Ī 2010 study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports examined the influence of tart cherry juice on recovery following a marathon.1 Twenty recreational marathon runners were assigned to drink tart cherry juice or placebo for five days before, the day of, and 48 hours after a marathon.

Can you discuss the science and provide tips for counseling clients?Ī: Both elite athletes and everyday exercisers are consuming tart cherry juice in lieu of a sports drink before and after exercise, specifically high-intensity strength exercise, endurance running, and intensive cycling. Q: My clients have been inquiring about the link between exercise recovery and tart cherry juice. Ask the Expert: Tart Cherry Juice and Exercise Recovery
