There are a few ways to ease muscle soreness after a particularly tough workout. Maybe you’re a firm believer in the power of external solutions like an epsom salt soak or arnica gel; or maybe you just go for the gold and pop an Advil when your muscles ache. According to a recent study, ingesting saffron may actually help relieve soreness even better than anti-inflammatory medicine. Yes, saffron, the spice you probably recognize from savory Italian risotto or Spanish paella. In the study, published in the March issue of the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, researchers found that those who took saffron supplements before and after working out had less muscle pain and increased muscle strength. In fact, the saffron alternatives were more effective than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil, Aleeve and Naproxin. Sprucing up your meals with new and interesting spices is also a smart way to avoid sugar and salt, so you’ll be improving your health either way!
READ MORE: Want to Get Stronger? Eat More Saffron

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR