Watermelon juice relieves post-exercise muscle soreness, says research

Watermelon juice’s reputation among athletes is getting scientific support in a new study, which found that juice from the summer favorite fruit can relieve post-exercise muscle soreness. According to a study published in  the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry watermelon  has an effect on the amino acid L-citrulline.

Researcher Encarna Aguayo and colleagues cite past research on watermelon juice’s antioxidant properties and its potential to increase muscle protein and enhance athletic performance. But scientists had yet to explore the effectiveness of watermelon juice drinks enriched in L-citrulline.

In their study they tested natural watermelon juice, watermelon juice enriched in L-citrulline and a control drink containing no L-citrulline on volunteers an hour before exercise. Both the natural juice and the enriched juice relieved muscle soreness and reduced recovery heart rate. The L-citrulline in the natural juice (unpasteurized), however, seemed to be more bioavailable in a form the body could better use.