You know how sometimes you can barely hobble down the stairs after a tough workout? Luckily, researchers may have discovered the solution: Cherry supplements.
A new Winona State University study found that a gel made only of concentrated cherries, cherry juice, and glycerin (a thickener/preservative) reduced muscle soreness ratings 2 days after the workout by 24 percent compared to a placebo group.
Study subjects took the gel, which was equal to about 100 cherries, before a resistance workout. Then, they continued to take the supplement every day afterward for 4 days, to keep the soreness at bay.
Previous studies have found that cherry supplements could stave off soreness, but those subjects took the supplements for more than 2 weeks before researchers tested the effects. This is the first study to show that you can take the supplement the day of a strenuous workout to ease soreness.
How does it work? “The product contains a high concentration of polyphenols. These antioxidants reduce inflammation, which also reduces tenderness and pain,” says Gary Kastello, Ph.D., professor at Winona State University and lead researcher of the study. “They might also block the pain perception in the brain, acting as a natural aspirin.”
But the key is in the antioxidant concentration. “You’d need to eat about 100 cherries to have the same effect,” says Kastello. His recommendation? One (20-calorie) pouch of CherryFlex ProSport gel ($19.95 for 20) before a new or intense workout. Have another pack every day for the next 4 days so inflammation doesn’t creep up on you later.