Abstract
Athletes seeking to reduce inflammation and muscle soreness after exercise often use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Although sold over the counter for many years, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not without health risks, especially when taken in large doses for long periods. Could polyphenolic-rich cherry or blueberry juice be a natural way to speed recovery without drug side effects? This article examines the evidence for using tart cherry juice and blueberry juice as a nutritional recovery strategy after strenuous exercise. Researchers have found modest benefits for tart cherry juice for pain reduction, relief for muscle soreness, and muscle inflammation after exercise. Although blueberry juice has similar chemical properties as tart cherry juice, the evidence supporting it as a recovery drink is limited at this time. Consuming cherry or blueberry juice is not harmful and may have some positive benefits for recovery and for increasing fruit consumption in athletes and active people.