Muscle Gains with Cherry Juice
Tuesday, May 27th, 2008So why do you need to eat cherries? Cherry juice may reduce muscle pain and soreness after a intense workout. In a study of 14 college students published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers found that guys who drank cherry juice experienced 25% less post-workout muscle soreness than guys who hadn’t drank the stuff. The cherry juice drinkers also recovered from their workouts more quickly and made greater muscle gains than those not drinking cherry juice.
They’re good for the heart also. Cherries have one of the highest levels of disease-fighting anti-oxidants around. In an animal study conducted at the University of Michigan, researchers found that a daily dose of cherries may help reduce your total cholesterol level, reduce the amount of fat stored in your liver, and limit the damage caused to your arteries by various forms of stress.
Natural chemicals in cherries can help keep your blood sugar in check, reducing your risk for diabetes. According to a study published by the American Chemical Society, compounds in cherries called anthocyanins appear to help the pancrease better regulate insulin levels in the body.
Forget ibuprofen. Cherries are natural pain killers. According to a Michigan State University study, the same compounds that give cherries their dark red color may be even more effective than other over the counter medications for helping reducing pain-triggering levels of inflammation in the body.
They’ll also help keep you looking young. Spanish scientists report that consuming the compound melatonin–which is found in cherries, red wine, and some whole grains–can help to reduce levels of oxidative stress in the body, delaying signs of aging.
Look for brightly colored, meaty, plump, and heavy fruit. Hard, pale cherries are immature and won’t get any riper. Check the moisture level as well. Good cherries are dry. If the fruit is too soft or sticky, that means it’s already starting to spoil. Store unwashed cherries in a plastic bag in the fridge. They’ll keep longer if you buy them with stems. You can also benefit from additive free 100% cherry juice or dried cherries–as long as they aren’t covered in sugar.
