Natural pain and inflammation reduction
Tart cherry juice has received much positive attention in the athletic world due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies have revealed that tart cherry could be equally if not more effective than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the treatment of inflammation. Its benefits are of particular interest to athletes as it provides the potential to reduce muscle soreness and thereby the time required to recover from an intense training session.
Serious athletes can turn to NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin to overcome the soreness, stiffness and fatigue which comes as a result of the body’s inflammatory and free radical production response to muscle hypertrophy. However as well as side effects including the erosion of the stomach lining leading to ulcers and bleeding, long term reliance can have more serious implications such as increased risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.
Tart cherry juice provides a drug free solution for fast recovery as it contains high levels of anti-inflammatory flavonoids and anthocyanins as well as potent antioxidants that can help reverse oxidative damage resulting from strenuous exercise. A number of scientific trials have shown that when consumed twice a day cherry juice reduces pain and promotes a more rapid recovery of strength.
In addition to athletic recovery benefits, cherry juice also boasts an number of wider reaching benefits. Cherries are a source of melatonin, the antioxidant produced by the brain’s pineal gland that helps the body to recharge through sleep. Its antioxidant compounds also boost the immune system, helping to protect against cardiovascular diseases, some cancers and brain degeneration.
CherryActive is a British brand of Montmorency cherry based products. Founded in 2005 CherryActive has gone on to win a number of awards and is now the largest supplier of Montmorency Cherry concentrate and capsules in the UK with over 1,000 retailers stocking their products. The range includes concentrated natural Montmorency cherry juice which can be diluted with water or yogurt. This is also available in a gel shot format. In addition are capsules which contain freeze-dried, fine milled cherries which are low in carbohydrates and easy to absorb. CherryActive also offer dried cherries infused with apple juice as a snack.
Cherrygood Plus is a variety of cherry juice concentrate from the London based brand that includes 1,000 pressed Montmorency cherries in each 500ml bottle. Each 30ml serving provides one of the recommended five-a-day.
Founder John Heseltine, commented via the Cherrygood blog:
