Running

Countless studies have been done on running. An overwhelming amount of information can be found about ways to minimize risk of injury when running. On top of that, more can be found about how to improve the experience of running. 

“Long distance running causes acute muscle damage resulting in inflammation and decreased force production… Tart cherries, rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may have a protective effect to reduce muscle damage and pain during strenuous exercise” (Kuehl et al.). This is a significant benefit, but this study isn’t the only one that has evaluated natural benefits of Recovery Fruit ingredients. One source that pooled together ten studies found that “Tart cherry concentrate has a significant benefit for endurance exercise performance” (Gao and Chilibeck).

But what actually happens to bring this improvement? Why do these fruits have this effect? A study on twenty recreational marathon runners found that “cherry juice appears to provide a viable means to aid recovery following strenuous exercise by increasing total antioxidative capacity, reducing inflammation, lipid peroxidation and so aiding in the recovery of muscle function” (Howatson et al.). Not only this, another study found that periodic consumption of the cherries decreased “post-run markers of muscle catabolism and physiological stress (dampening of the inflammatory response)” (Morgan et al.).

In addition to recovery, tart cherries can help with sleep quality or duration. They contain natural melatonin and tryptophan, a precursor to the body’s natural production of melatonin. As we have found, “enhanced sleep is a key piece of the equation to promote a recovered and less injury prone athlete” (Hillring).