According to a study published in the journal, Nutrients, blackcurrant extract aids in overall recovery from physical activity AND reduces muscle soreness by a whopping 49%! For years, blackcurrants were considered a 'forbidden' fruit in the U.S., namely because they can spread a fungus that infects certain native pine trees. But new research around this fruit found that it may change how your body recovers from rigorous physical activity… without the use of OTC pain killers. The study found that folks who supplemented with blackcurrant extract (compared to a placebo) had 3X faster recovery of muscle function over a 96-hour period… and even regained overall regaining muscle strength within 24 hours. And, the researchers found that those who had taken the extract experienced 49% less muscle soreness 24 to 48 hours after exercise. Let's face it, the less sore you are… the more motivated you'll be to stay active. So, what's exactly behind blackcurrants' muscle healing power? It turns out that they reduce the release of creatine kinase – which is a protein that leaks out of damaged muscle tissue. This all means that your body will recover faster. Luckily for you, blackcurrant extract isn't hard to find… Most health food stores and online vitamin retailers sell blackcurrant extract for around $20 per bottle. If you find yourself feeling stiff and sore after you workout (or get any physical activity), consider having a discussion with your doctor about blackcurrant extract as opposed to reaching for those OTC drugs! To a pain free life, Sarah Reagan Sources: Medical Xpress. "Blackcurrant extract aids exercise recovery and reduces muscle soreness by 49 percent." 9/27/21. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-09-blackcurrant-aids-recovery-muscle-soreness.html National Library of Medicine. "Musculoskeletal Pain in Older Adults." 7/15/20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8034863/ |