With Cherries On Top
Phew! Life has been very busy over here in the 360° Health + Fitness world. If you haven’t heard yet, we will be opening a new, larger facility VERY soon! Early October will be the Grand Opening, but our current clients will be able to train with us there as soon as we get organized! Exciting stuff, let me tell you. But also quite stressful. That is why I haven’t written in a while, if you were wondering.
Ok, so with it being “Thirsty Thursday” I thought I’d write something about my favorite juice. And, yes, I know juice gets a lot of flak for being laden with sugar and you “should eat the fruit not drink the juice” blah, blah, blah but I think that tart cherry juice is one very tasty exception. As long as you are not getting the cocktail, which has added sugar and preservatives you’re in good shape!
So, why tart cherry juice? So, so many reasons!
Tart cherry juice is super rich in potassium and iron, and is full of anthocyanins, which promote anti-inflammatory processes in the body.
It’s great for a post-workout recovery drink. All that potassium mentioned above is important for proper cell and tissue function, and it’s also an electrolyte which helps to conduct electricity in the body. Not to mention it helps to hydrate, maintain blood pressure, ph balance, and heart rate, aid in muscle recovery, and help to settle digestion.
Research has shown that antioxidants in tart cherry juice can reduce pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Drinking this juice can reduce swelling, so you can stop reaching for those NSAIDs and pour out a glass of cherry juice instead! It tastes much better and goes down nice and smooth.
It can help boost your immune system! Tart cherry juice is also rich in Vitamins C & A, and contains flavonoids that help to fight off infection.
A glass before bed can help you nod off to sleep. Tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin, which helps to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Much better than OTC sleep aids!
Studies have shown that tart cherry juice may help to regulate your metabolism and help your body burn fat. Raise your hand if your metabolism could use a boost and I’ll fill that hand with a glass of cherry juice! Sorry, that was cheesy…
So basically, tart cherry juice is a natural, tasty way to help your body in ALL sorts of ways. Especially those who experience DOMS (delayed-onset muscle soreness) on the regular. Go get you a bottle of tart cherry juice (easiest to find in the health foods section), and reach for that instead of ibuprofen after your next tough workout. Studies have shown that ibuprofen can REDUCE muscle growth, so don’t cancel out all that hard work you’ve done! Drink up!
Oh, and if it's just TOO tart, add some ice and let it water down a bit. I find this helps!
