Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and for good reason. It's delicious, it's energizing, and it has a number of health benefits. But did you know that drinking coffee before sport can also be beneficial?
Here are some of the benefits of drinking coffee before sport:
Improved performance: Caffeine, the main active ingredient in coffee, has been shown to improve athletic performance in a number of ways. For example, it can increase muscle strength and endurance, improve focus and alertness, and reduce perceived exertion.
Reduced muscle pain: Caffeine can also help to reduce muscle pain and inflammation after a workout. This can help you to recover more quickly and get back to training sooner.
Increased fat burning: Caffeine can also help to increase fat burning during exercise. This is because caffeine stimulates the release of fatty acids from fat cells, which can then be used for energy.
However, it's important to note that coffee is not a magic bullet. It's still important to eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise to see the best results.
How much coffee should you drink before sport?
The amount of coffee you should drink before sport depends on a number of factors, including your individual caffeine sensitivity and the type of sport you're doing. However, most research suggests that drinking 3-6 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight about 60 minutes before exercise is optimal.
For example, a 70-kilogram person would want to drink 210-420 milligrams of caffeine about 60 minutes before exercise. This is equivalent to about 1-2 cups of coffee.
It's important to experiment to find what works best for you. Start with a small amount of coffee and increase the amount gradually until you find the amount that gives you the desired boost without any negative side effects.
When to avoid coffee before sport
It's important to avoid drinking coffee before sport if you're sensitive to caffeine or if you have any underlying health conditions, such as anxiety or heart problems.
You should also avoid drinking coffee before sport if you're planning on exercising in hot weather. Caffeine can dehydrate you, so it's important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout.
Overall, drinking coffee before sport can be a great way to improve your performance and reduce muscle pain. However, it's important to drink the right amount of coffee and to be aware of the potential side effects.