Cranberries can improve performance and fatigue in runners: study

fitness

by alex mitchell

That's great news for runners. Cranberries are a track and field athlete's best friend, increasing their speed by 1.5%, according to a new study.

“The advantage of this is that it's all natural,” study lead author Andreas Bergdahl, an associate professor at Concordia University in Montreal, said in a statement.

“It's an ergogenic aid, something that enhances performance, but it's not an anabolic steroid,” he continued. “Athletes can significantly improve their performance simply by consuming more cranberries.”

The new paper, published in December in the journal Physical Activity and Nutrition, tracked the performance of top runners drafted from their school track teams and local running clubs over 28 consecutive days after taking cranberry supplements. is.

Athletes were tested twice in three separate visits. The purpose of doing one long run and one short run was to determine how much impact the popular Thanksgiving show had at different intensities.

Participants ingested the extract two hours before running.

Observing a 1,500 meter test, they found “significant improvements” in performance and muscle fatigue. Shorter 400-meter runs reported less lactic acid buildup. Lactate is a marker of potential muscle fatigue and oxygen deprivation.

Consumption of cranberries also led to improved oxygen uptake.

The researchers also noted that cranberries are rich in polyphenols, which are natural sources of antioxidants.

“When it comes to elite athletes, any advantage can make the difference between finishing fifth or being on the podium,” Bergdahl added.