Which form of cherry is specifically recognized as a natural aid for exercise recovery due to its high concentration of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties?
Tart cherries
The tart cherry varieties are highly regarded in sports nutrition circles for their efficacy in aiding post-exercise recovery, particularly when compared to their sweeter counterparts. This recognition stems from the fact that tart cherries generally possess a higher concentration of the crucial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as anthocyanins. During intense physical activity, muscle tissue undergoes micro-damage, leading to soreness and strength deficits. The compounds in tart cherries work to mitigate this exercise-induced muscle damage by quenching reactive oxygen species (free radicals) and dampening the resulting inflammatory cascade, leading to faster recovery times and reduced perceived muscle pain in athletes.
