It doesn’t matter what form of exercise you do; when you’ve put in a substantial workout, your body needs refueling. Not only have your muscles and joints gone through wear and tear, but your body has experienced a loss of fluids and electrolytes during sweating. The most convenient and effective form of nourishment lies in the concept of a post-workout recovery drink, and nothing beats the healthy benefits of natural juices. Fitness experts are sharing their favorites to try after your workouts.
Beetroot Juice
The vibrant color of the drink alone is appealing enough for most, but beetroot juice also offers more than just a pretty reddish-purple hue. The veggie is packed with a sweet, earthy taste and brings a lot to the post-workout recovery menu.
Beetroot juice contains nitric oxide, an ingredient that helps in fast muscle recovery and to reduce inflammation. The super-juice also provides iron, magnesium, folate and antioxidant properties.
Protein Juice
It’s certainly no secret about the major role that protein plays in the human body, especially in an active person who works out. A number of studies have been conducted on protein for exercise and recovery and found that it offers multiple benefits. Some of these include recovery enhancement, improved immune function and the growth and maintenance of lean body mass.
Enjoying a protein juice packed with healthy ingredients can offer an amazing cleanse and help you achieve your fitness goals, burn fat and recover rapidly following your workouts.
Green Juice
Kale is another ingredient that stands out in green juices that is excellent for post-recovery workouts. The leafy vegetable is packed with calcium and is great at restoring lost electrolytes.
In addition, a green juice that also features celery and cucumbers is hydrating and cooling for the body after a workout.
Tart Cherry Juice
Here’s another natural juice to consider following your exercise routine. Tart cherry juice is loaded with anthocyanins to prevent muscle damage, reduce pain and take away inflammation.
Research published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports discovered that drinking tart cherry juice is good for the active body, and all you need is to drink four to six ounces of the juice immediately following a workout. It’s best to drink tart cherry juice on an empty stomach for the quickest results.
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice not only benefits the body in improving digestion and boosting immunity, but it’s also delicious and awesome for your body following a workout. Pineapple happens to contain lots of bromelain and vitamins A and C, and K and a bunch of B vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and copper.
Bromelain is an important enzyme in the body that can help repair muscle damage, soreness and/or inflammation.
The most nutritious way to absorb all of the pineapple’s goodness is through its natural state. Avoid those drinks with added sugar.
Watermelon Juice
Watermelon juice is fantastic following a tough workout as it contains lots of nutritious ingredients. Two of the electrolytes you lose in sweat are potassium and magnesium, and watermelon is packed with both.
Also, watermelon juice is hydrating and has L-citrulline, a key amino acid that is believed to help reduce muscle soreness after intense exercise. L-citrulline enhances blood flow to tissues and muscles and reduces lactic acid buildup.
You can make your own refreshing watermelon juice by blending two to three cups of watermelon chunks, straining the mixture and serving it over ice.
Pickle Juice
A lot has been studied about the benefits of eating pickles and drinking pickle juice. You don’t need a lot, either. Just sipping between two and three fluid ounces of pickle juice can yield benefits post-workout.
Pickle juice has plenty of sodium but also some potassium and magnesium and can act as a natural electrolyte. It’s considered great for muscle cramps and helps one recover after exercise.
It’s healthy to work out and push the body, but it’s as important to respect the post-workout recovery. Treat your body to these incredible natural juices so that you can refuel, ease any soreness and stay active in the game!
