Tart cherry juice
Both experienced athletes and novice gym-goers may benefit from drinking tart cherry juice. Tart cherry juice and tart cherry juice extract have been shown in studies to help muscle recovery and lessen delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). DOMS is a muscle injury that happens as a result of unfamiliar or intensive activity. It causes symptoms such as severe mobility restrictions, swelling, and stiffness.
Exercise increases oxidative stress, cellular damage, and inflammation in addition to DOMS. Antioxidant-rich foods and beverages, on the other hand, may help to mitigate these negative effects and accelerate healing. The plant compounds anthocyanins are abundant in tart cherry juice. Drinking tart cherry juice accelerated muscle recovery, decreased DOMS, and lowered markers of inflammation after exercise, according to a 2021 review of 25 research. They have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help to minimize perceived soreness and exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD).