Watermelon juice relieves post-exercise muscle soreness

A new study posted in ACS Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggests that watermelon juice can relieve post-exercise stress.

Researchers claim that old studies say the fruit has antioxidant qualities and a potential to increase muscle protein and enhance athletic performance. With these properties in mind, Encarna Aguayo and colleagues decided to experiment with watermelon juice drinks enriched in L-citrulline.

The study was conducted by having two group of subjects drink a glass natural watermelon juice versus a glass of watermelon juice enriched with L-citrulline an hour before exercising.

Researchers found that both juices relieved muscle soreness in the volunteers, while those who drank the L-citrulline in the natural juice (unpasteurized) seemed to be easier for the body to process.