Blackcurrants ease gym aches

BLACKCURRANTS could relieve postworkout sore muscles, a study suggests.

University of Surrey research showed concentrated blackcurrant reduced muscle soreness by half in those who frequently exercised vigorously.

The study involved men and women undergoing intensive exercise for eight days, including movements to build muscle – known as resistance training.

Half the participants took a 300mg capsule of concentrated blackcurrant every day, while half did not. They then graded their muscle soreness over four days. The blackcurrant group saw their muscle soreness reduce three times faster than those who did not take the pill.

Scientists say the ‘stark’ improvement was thanks to blackcurrant being rich in anthocyanins, a natural compound shown to reduce inflammation.