Why is Recovery So Important?

Why is recovery important?

Exercising at high intensities, for extended periods of time can result in muscle damage. This muscle damage is characterized by a reduction in your ability to produce force, muscle soreness and perhaps even reduced range of motion. This is thought to be the result of a significant increase in inflammation and oxidative stress within the muscle itself. Therefore, recovery is important to prevent muscle damage, putting you out of sport and potentially causing more serious injury.

Recovery is also vital in order to prevent overworking the body, becoming fatigued or ill, run down or burnt out. So for those of us who don’t exercise as intensely, as much as recovery might not be seen as important as it is for athletes and sportspeople, recovery is still important for our overall mental and physical health and well being.

How can I aid recovery?

Research has shown that the consumption of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory rich foods and fluids following intense bouts of exercise can reduce muscle damage, muscle soreness and accelerate the recovery process. 

That said, reducing muscle damage and soreness is only one element of the recovery process, you must also consider refuelling, repairing, rehydrating, resting and relaxing. The so-called 5 R’s of optimal recovery.

Thankfully B.Fresh have formulated Recover to meet 4 of those recovery requirements, with polyphenol rich fruits to reduce muscle soreness and refuel, the juice to rehydrate and cherries which have been linked with improved sleep quality. It’s the perfect combination to meet your recovery needs.

Why is the Recover Juice so beneficial?

B.fresh Recover is packed full of powerful polyphenols and antioxidants which are scientifically-proven to reduce muscle damage, soreness and inflammation. It also helps to accelerate recovery and help us return to peak-performance after intense exercise.

Recover is the first of its kind. Industry-leading fresh, cold-pressed juice developed by nutrition professionals and used by Premier League players to boost recovery between games.

What is a polyphenol and why are they good for recovery?

A polyphenol is a natural compound found in plants. They provide antioxidant protection to the plant and also defend against ultraviolet damage. They are typically responsible for the bright colours of plants or spices. Polyphenols are found in all plants to some degree, although there are particularly large quantities in herbs and spices such as turmeric, berries, cherries, fruits, vegetables, dark chocolate, tea and coffee beans.

Research has shown that long term consumption of diets rich in plant polyphenols, provides protection against the development of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis and neurodegenerative diseases.

Research has shown that the consumption of 1000 mg of polyphenols after intense exercise can reduce muscle soreness by 29% and improve performance in the next workout by 13% compared to consuming water alone. B.Fresh Recover contains 1350 mg of natural polyphenols from various sources.

However…

Certain polyphenols can inhibit the absorption of some minerals, for instance tannins in tea and coffee will impair the absorption of iron. So if you have a known mineral deficiency and have to supplement to correct that deficiency, then ensure you consume the supplement well away from any polyphenol rich food or drink.

Who else is Recover beneficial for?

As much as the name ‘Recover’ suggests, this delicious cold pressed juice is highly beneficial for more than just recovery. Research has shown that cherries work on reducing cholesterol levels and therefore, risk of heart disease. Similarly, pomegranate and blueberries both have properties that work on lowering blood pressure. Pomegranate is packed with polyphenols which work to prevent the thickening and build-up of cholesterol in artery walls. In addition to blueberries helping with lowering blood pressure, research also suggests that they could be beneficial for diabetics to consume as they could help with improving insulin sensitivity.

Since almost 80% of the B.fresh Recover juice is made up of cherries, pomegranate and blueberry, the juice can also appeal to people suffering with high blood pressure who are seeking out a natural way to lower it, therefore also working towards preventing heart disease. Additionally, people who struggle with insulin resistance could benefit from drinking the juice regularly.