Montmorency Tart Cherry Powder May Boost Performance in Athletes

Athletes are always looking for natural ways to boost their performance, both through exercise and supplements. A recent study suggests that taking Montmorency tart cherry powder supplements over the short term may reduce inflammatory stress and increase performance in aerobically trained people.

Participants in the study included 27 endurance-trained runners or triathletes who were given 480 mg of tart cherry powder or a placebo daily for ten days. On the eighth day of the trial period, all of the participants completed a sub-two-hour half-marathon.

The researchers found that the cherry group had an average 13% faster race finish time than the placebo group. They also noted a 47% reduction in inflammation and a 34% lower post-run soreness in the cherry group when compared with the placebo.

Researchers from Texas A&M University conducted the study. It was published on May 26, 2016, in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

Previous studies have found linked tart cherries with reducing inflammation, easing the symptoms of gout, and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes.

The best way to consume tart cherries is in a juice but be sure the tart cherry juice you consume is tested for potency and hasn’t been watered down.