New research suggests the high level of antioxidants in blueberries increases athlete recovery time from exercise.
The New Zealand-based Plant & Food Research gave athletes both blueberry and non-blueberry smoothies following a series of exercise tests.
Dr Steve Stannard explained: “The subjects did 300 maximal eccentric contractions, which causes micro-trauma to the muscle’s fibres.
In the first part of the study, participants were given blueberry smoothies before, during, and for two days after the exercise strength tests, and blood samples were taken to monitor the leg’s recovery.
Several weeks later, the exercise was repeated on the other leg using a smoothie without blueberries. The blood samples showed eating the blueberries produced a higher level of antioxidant defence in the blood.”
Despite the findings, Stannard said more research must now be done to determine exactly how the blueberries work to increase recovery time.
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