In lab tests, scientists at fruit company HortResearch in New Zealand, have shown that when isolated muscle tissue was exposed to fruit extracts and then given an electrical impulse, muscle power increased by up to 70% and the onset of fatigue was delayed by up to 20%.
Current sports drinks generally include synthetic ingredients and sugars designed to boost energy and combat dehydration. In contrast, the new energy juice would be made up of fruit compounds which would work by boosting muscle power through the body’s interplay with testosterone.
Kieran Elborough, business leader for food & health at HortReseach said: “Overtraining can have a negative impact on the immune system and can affect hormone levels resulting in cortisol levels going up and testosterone levels go down. We have strong evidence that specific fruit compounds can aid muscle recovery and reinforce immune defences. The boost in muscle power is related to rises in the level of testosterone.”
