by WTN Staff

According to a study whose results appeared Feb. 23 in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, drinking antioxidant-rich black tea extract could help mitigate muscle soreness and speed recovery following intense workouts.

A team of researchers from the Departments of Exercise Science & Sports Studies, Nutritional Sciences and Endocrinology & Animal Biosciences at Rutgers University led the study, which sought to determine whether "high-potency, black tea extract alters the delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), oxidative stress, inflammation and cortisol responses to high-intensity anaerobic exercise," according to an abstract.

The team selected 18 college-aged men for a double-blind crossover study. Half received 1,760 milligrams of black tea extract per day, while the other half received a placebo. After nine days, the researchers tested the subjects, taking blood samples and conducting tests. They found that the group taking the black tea extract had significantly greater power, less muscle soreness and oxidative stress, and lower cortisol response than the group taking placebos.

Based on the tests, the researchers concluded: "Consumption of theaflavin-enriched black tea extract led to improved recovery and a reduction in oxidative stress and DOMS responses to acute anaerobic intervals. An improved rate of recovery can benefit all individuals engaging in high intensity, anaerobic exercise as it facilitates increased frequency of exercise."