Cyclists who drank Montmorency tart cherry juice concentrate before a three-day simulated race experienced less inflammation and oxidative stress compared to those who drank another beverage, according to a UK study published in the journal Nutrients.
A research team led by Dr. Glyn Howatson with PhD student Phillip Bell at Northumbria University gave 16 well-trained, male cyclists about one ounce (30 ml) of Montmorency tart cherry juice concentrate mixed with water (equivalent to 90 whole Montmorency tart cherries per serving), or a calorie-matched placebo, twice a day for seven days.
On days five, six and seven of the experiment, the participants performed prolonged, high-intensity cycling intervals – exercise that was designed to replicate the demands of a three-day race.
The researchers collected blood samples and found that markers of inflammation and oxidative stress were significantly lower in the cyclists who consumed the tart cherry juice concentrate compared to those who did not.
At one point during the trial, oxidative stress was nearly 30% lower in the tart cherry group compared to the other group.
Natural compounds in cherries found to be beneficial to cyclists
Strenuous exercise can cause temporary inflammation and oxidative stress that can lead to muscle damage, muscle soreness and reduced capacity to recover quickly, said research lead Howatson, laboratory director at the Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation.
He attributes the recovery benefits shown in the study to the natural compounds in Montmorency tart cherries, which anthocyanins is one of them.
“Previous studies have looked at tart cherries and the effect on recovery following weight lifting exercise and marathon running, but until now there hasn’t been information on recovery following strenuous exercise from cycling,” said Howatson.
“We found that those cyclists that consumed Montmorency tart cherry juice had statistically significant lower indices of inflammation and metabolic oxidative stress, which is the first time it has been demonstrated following this type of exercise.”
The Cherry Marketing Institute provided financial support for the analysis of inflammatory indices.
All other elements of the study were funded by Northumbria University and the University of Ulster, UK.
