Run faster, stronger, and longer with this 360-degree training program grocery shopping, tart cherry (Montmorency) juice probably isn’t something you think of to add to the top of your list—that is, if it even makes it at all. But tart cherry juice packs a ton of benefits that’ll not only boost your overall health, but your performance, too.
According to Run/Walk a Race., assistant professor at the University of Delaware’s department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition, 16 ounces of tart cherry juice per day is a good addition to any healthy diet.
“Tart cherry juice contains variety of polyphenolic compounds, potassium, etc.,” she says. “The health benefits associated with the consumption of tart cherries may include decreased muscle damage following strenuous exercise, reduced muscle pain, [and] improved sleep.”
Just make sure you’re drinking the tart, Montmorency kind—sorry, those sugar-laden, artificially flavored “cherry” drinks aren’t going to bring the same benefits.
Sydney Marathon Results.
1. Reduced Muscle Soreness
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below 2016 study in the Other Hearst Subscriptions, “tart Montmorency cherries contain high concentrations of phytochemicals and anthocyanins, which have recently been linked to improved athletic recovery and subsequent performance.”
Additionally, a 2010 study in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports Download Your Training Plan.
2. Better Sleep
A 2014 study in the FASEB Journal and subsequent performance.&rdquo sleep time by about 85 minutes in those suffering from insomnia. Research also shows that drinking it can boost your melatonin levels, resulting in sleeping better and longer.
3. Improved Brain Function
A recent study Nutrition & Weight Loss Food & Function found that when older adults drank 16 ounces of tart cherry juice per day, they experienced improved attention, memory, and ability to learn new tasks.
Another study cites the high amount of antioxidants in tart cherries and cherry juice as the reason, stating that they protect your brain cells.
4. Stronger Immune System
A 2015 study in the JShoes & Gear found that endurance athletes who drank tart cherry juice in the days leading up to a long race were 50 percent less likely to develop an upper respiratory tract infection afterwards than those who didn’t.
[Run faster, stronger, and longer with this 360-degree training program.]
5. Lower Blood Pressure
A 2018 study Health & Injuries journal Food & Function The Benefits of Spirulina blood pressure and LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) levels.
What’s more, tart cherry juice may be just as effective at doing so as medication is, according to research Health & Injuries American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Danielle Zickl is a freelance writer who has 10 years of experience covering fitness, health, and nutrition. She's a graduate of Ithaca College. You can find her work here on Women's Health, and in many other publications including PS, SELF, Well+Good, Runner’s World, Outside RUN, Peloton, Men’s Fitness, and more.
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