05/10/2025
Delayed-onset muscle soreness, the discomfort that starts the day after a particularly grueling workout, is caused by micro-tears in the muscle itself that lead to inflammation. Watermelon may be beneficial for reducing the pain.
Watermelon contains the amino acid l-citrulline, so researchers put it to the test in a group of men. The participants drank two cups of fresh-blended watermelon or a watermelon-free placebo drink, then engaged in intense exercise. Those who consumed watermelon were significantly less sore the next day—around one on a scale of one to five, compared to closer to two for those on the placebo.
Cherries may also play a role in reducing muscle soreness—thought to be because of their anti-inflammatory flavonoid nutrients. Interestingly, while the absorption of phytonutrients can help with exercise, exercise may help with the absorption of phytonutrients. Exercise may change the activity of the good bacteria in our gut, which then boosts the bioavailability of the nutrients we consume.
Watch the video “Watermelon for Sore Muscle Relief” at http://bit.ly/2qaxXiu to learn more.
PMID: 22341015, 21776454, 22980781, 23862566
