Long-distance runners may find relief in tart cherry juice according to new research from Oregon Health Science University, Portland. The findings of this research were presented at the last week’s American College of Sports Medicine Conference in Seattle. The study found that people who drank 10.5 oz. of tart cherry juice twice a day for seven days prior to, and on the day of, a long-distance relay reported significantly less pain after the run compared to those who didn’t drink the juice. Although more research is required in order to fully understand the effects of tart cherry juice on recovery from endurance exercise, the researchers note that these findings suggest tart cherry juice may work in a similar fashion to medications used by runners to mitigate post-exercise inflammation.
Sources: Science Blog: Is cherry juice a new 'sports drink?'