Science Shows Cherries May Have Powerful Pain Relief Benefits for Marathoners
and Other Athletes
NEW YORK, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- From gold medalists to weekend warriors,
athletes at every level are in search of new ways to reduce pain and enhance
post-exercise recovery. Recent research shows that drinking tart cherry juice
may help runners recover more quickly and effectively from post-race pain.
This weekend, a record-breaking 40,000 people will run the marathon in New
York City. To help runners in New York City and across the country manage
their pain, the Cherry Marketing Institute has joined forces with the "World's
Greatest Athlete" and gold medalist Bryan Clay and sports dietitian Leslie
Bonci. Clay and Bonci are introducing the Red Recovery Routine this week to
help athletes maximize their training efforts. The new Red Recovery Routine
offers pain relief and performance tips on reducing inflammation, staying
hydrated and fueling with proper foods like tart cherries before, during and
after workouts.
Studies reveal that powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins, which give
cherries their bright red color, have anti-inflammatory properties that can
help protect muscles and joints even before an athlete hits the pavement,
thereby reducing post-exercise pain.
Clay, who incorporates the Red Recovery Routine into his training program for
the 2012 games, knows what works and what doesn't when it comes to pain relief
and recovery.
"I have definitely seen a reduction in muscle soreness since I've added
cherries to my training table," said Clay. "If I can incorporate something
into my diet that's all-natural, tastes great and helps me recover more
quickly, that's a winning proposition."
The Science of Cherries and Pain Relief
Recent research from Oregon Health & Science University(1) revealed runners
who drank cherry juice twice a day for seven days prior to and on the day of a
long-distance relay had significantly less muscle pain following the race than
those who drank another fruit juice beverage. This is the latest in a growing
body of science linking cherries to powerful anti-inflammatory benefits.
Bonci, also Director of Sports Nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh,
agrees tart cherries or juice are great to use before and after exercise.
"Most people only think about how to manage post-workout pain, not realizing
that pain management and the ability to maximize muscle recovery starts before
you even put on your shoes," said Bonci. "I recommend tart cherry juice to my
athletes because it is a natural, anti-inflammatory option that provides
additional nutrition value such as antioxidants and carbohydrates. Cherry
juice is also extremely convenient to incorporate into a routine because it is
available all year round and easy to take on the road."
Furthermore, cherries' anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to help
relieve arthritis and joint pain, which Bonci says is extremely beneficial to
active adults who are also trying to manage the aches and pains of aging. The
average age of today's endurance athlete is 40-years-old (marathonguide.com).
Red Recovery Routine
To help athletes at every level enhance their training and recovery, Bonci and
the Cherry Marketing Institute created the Red Recovery Routine. Visit
www.choosecherries.com to download the Red Recovery Routine and learn more
about the unique health benefits of cherries. The site also features other
exceptional athletes who have discovered the pain-fighting power of tart
cherries.
The Cherry Marketing Institute (CMI) is an organization funded by North
American tart cherry growers and processors. CMI's mission is to increase the
demand for tart cherries through promotion, market expansion, product
development and research. For more information on the science supporting the
unique health benefits of cherries and for cherry recipes and menu ideas,
visit www.choosecherries.com.
(1) Kuehl KS, Chestnutt J, Elliot DL, Lilley C. Efficacy of tart cherry juice
in reducing muscle pain after strenuous exercise. American College of Sports
Medicine. 851. May, 2009.
SOURCE The Cherry Marketing Institute
Caitlin Solway, +1-312-988-2086, csolway@webershandwick.com, for The Cherry
Marketing Institute
