There’s a new, all-natural tool in the fight against sore muscles for marathoners and other athletes: cherries. Recent research has found that drinking tart cherry juice may help runners recover more quickly and effectively reduce post-race pain.

The medicinal quality of the fruit comes from powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins that have anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect muscles and joints even before an athlete hits the pavement, thereby reducing post-exercise pain.

A study done at Oregon Health and Science University revealed runners who drank cherry juice twice a day for seven days prior to and on the day of a long-distance relay had significantly less muscle pain following the race than those who drank another fruit juice beverage.

In addition, the fruit’s anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to help relieve arthritis and joint pain. University of Pittsburgh sports dietician Leslie Bonci says cherries can be extremely beneficial to active adults who are also trying to manage the aches and pains of aging.

"Pain management and the ability to maximize muscle recovery starts before you even put on your shoes. I recommend tart cherry juice to my athletes because it is a natural, anti-inflammatory option that provides additional nutrition value such as antioxidants and carbohydrates," said Bonci.

According to RunnersWorld.com, nutritional supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin are also believed to help reduce post-workout aches and pains.