Watermelon juice has been found to relieve sore muscles after exercise. Watermelons are mainly made up of water, but they also contain essential vitamins and minerals that your body requires to feel great. For example, watermelons actually have high antioxidant content known to help the body produce nitric oxide, which helps improve blood circulation.
Much research has been focusing on watermelon and exercise. It has been found that watermelon juice can benefit those who exercise as it lowers the effects of sore muscles thanks to its antioxidant content.
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In one study conducted on seven athletes, some consumed watermelon juice, others consumed enriched watermelon juice, and the third group had a placebo. Both watermelon groups had reduced perceived muscle soreness compared to the placebo group, but no differences were seen among all three groups with regards to lactate accumulation – this is what builds up between muscles when exercising and leads to muscle soreness.
Although more research is required to fully understand the effects of watermelon juice and its benefits on exercise, it’s still a good idea to consume it regardless, as it still offers many other nutritional benefits – and is very refreshing, too.
Foods to soothe sore muscles
If you ever tried a new workout or pushed yourself a bit more, you will notice your muscles are pretty sore the next couple of days. Depending on the exercise, your soreness may even last up to 72 hours! Muscle soreness isn’t just painful. Sometimes, it can even interfere with everyday tasks like walking up and down stairs or reaching for items on the top shelf. Therefore, if you want to reduce muscle soreness, try some of these nutrition tips:
- Eat more dark-colored fruits like blueberries or tart cherries.
- Eat dark leafy greens.
- Eat high-glycemic fruit and starches like watermelon, pineapple, and potatoes to replenish glycogen.
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
- Consume fish to reduce inflammation.
- Eat nuts to repair damaged tissue.
- Consume fermented foods to improve digestion and boost immunity.
- Eat eggs for speedy tissue repair.
- Cook with turmeric and ginger.
By eating these foods regularly you can ensure that your muscle soreness will subside quicker. Food is important as it offers essential nutrients that fuel the body and help it heal, and so the above-listed foods are the best options in order to reduce muscle soreness associated with exercising.
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Sources:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/812677
http://main.poliquingroup.com/ArticlesMultimedia/Articles/Article/1262/Top_Ten_Foods_To_Reduce_Muscle_Soreness_Speed_Reco.aspx
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
