LOS ANGELES, March 1 — New research indicates that the
antioxidants found in Wonderful variety pomegranates can speed muscle
recovery while reducing the soreness that often follows intense physical
activity.
The study, conducted at the University of Texas at Austin and published
in the March issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, is the
first to link the daily intake of polyphenol antioxidants from Wonderful
variety pomegranates with a boost in exercise performance.
The placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study showed that when
the research subjects consumed a daily dose of POMx, a highly
concentrated source of pomegranate polyphenol antioxidants, they
experienced over 30% less strength loss as well as 28% less muscle
soreness compared to placebo.
“Our clinical research shows that Wonderful variety pomegranates aid in
muscle recovery,” said lead researcher Dr. Ed Coyle, PhD, FACSM. “Faster
strengthening and reduced muscle soreness could help people with their
training.”
The study enrolled 16 healthy, recreationally active males, who were not
participating in resistance or endurance training. Subjects were treated
with both POMx and a placebo for nine days each, with both treatments
being separated by a 14 day washout period. On the fifth day of each
nine-day treatment, subjects performed two sets of intense exercise (20
repetitions of maximal eccentric elbow flexions) which were designed to
elicit delayed onset muscle soreness. Recovery measures were then
collected at two, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours post-exercise.
Two hours post-eccentric exercise, strength was significantly reduced by
approximately 28% from baseline in both treatment groups. By 48 hours
post-exercise, subjects who consumed POMx experienced 33% less strength
loss than those receiving placebo. At 72 hours, subjects who received
POMx still maintained 31% less strength loss than those who received
placebo. The authors conclude that, “the primary finding of this study
was that dietary supplementation with Wonderful variety pomegranate
extract (POMx) compared to placebo improves the recovery of isometric
strength during the 48-72 hour period after eccentric exercise.”
The publication of this study is the most recent in a series of studies
evaluating the potential benefits of Wonderful variety pomegranates on
human health. Since 1998, POM Wonderful has supported $33 million in
research on Wonderful variety pomegranates, which has involved top
scientists from leading universities around the world, including a Nobel
Laureate. So far, over 50 studies have been published in peer-review
journals. Primary research areas have included prostate and
cardiovascular health, among others.
POM Wonderful exclusively grows Wonderful pomegranates, known for their
sweet-tart taste and high concentration of polyphenol antioxidants. POM
Wonderful uses its fresh pomegranates to extract POMx, which contains a
super-potent concentration of the same polyphenol antioxidants found in
POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice. POMx allows POM Wonderful to
deliver the benefits of pomegranate polyphenol antioxidants in an
assortment of all-natural, premium products that appeal to a wide range
of health-conscious consumers.
POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice is available year-round in the
produce section of grocery stores nationwide. POMx is exclusively
available in POMx Tea, a light and refreshing line of pomegranate iced
teas, POMx Pills, a daily polyphenol supplement, POMx Iced Coffee, a
highly-caffeinated, antioxidant-rich line of iced coffees, POMx Bars and
POMx Shots.
Source: POM Wonderful