Is It Good To Drink Coffee After Workout?
Coffee is made of naturally occurring compounds, such as caffeine, antioxidants, and minerals. It is a popular beverage that many people reach for every morning as a boost of energy and also as part of their morning routine. But what happens when we hear that coffee is recommended to drink after a workout? Does a cup of coffee offer some kind of mysterious benefit? Can it enhance the effects of the physical activity? Let’s learn about what science says about the topic of drinking coffee after exercise.
There are some studies that support the idea of drinking coffee after a workout. Firstly, a research from the University of Guelph, in Canada has shown that drinking coffee after exercise can reduce the soreness. The study monitored the progress and level of soreness of people that drank coffee after exercise, compared to of people that did not drink coffee.
Moreover, in most studies that have been conducted, it is proven that the combination of drinking coffee and exercising, is more beneficial than drinking coffee alone. This combination has some unique benefits such as improved sports performance, improved mental clarity, and improved alertness.
Furthermore, the benefits of drinking coffee after a workout go beyond the realms of physical performance. It can help in combating the natural chocolate crash that many suffer from. Studies from the University of Georgia showed that the combination of exercise and coffee can reduce the chocolate crash and result in a raise in energy levels for longer periods.
Additionally, some studies have also shown that coffee can help to delay the onset of fatigue during a workout. This means that coffee consumption before exercise can help you to power through a workout and gain an improved metabolic rate during workout. This could lead to an increase in resistance and improved physical strength over time.
It is important to note that while drinking coffee after exercise can have some potential beneficial side effects, it should not be overindulged. The recommended amount of caffeine that you can have after exercise is one to two cups per day. Over-consuming coffee can have negative effects, such as insomnia and anxiety.
All in all, drinking coffee after a workout can be beneficial for both your physical and mental exercise performance. However, moderate consumption is key and make sure to stay hydrated either way!
Increased Workout Performance
Coffee can act as a performance booster or energizer when drunk before any physical activity. A study from the University of Houston demonstrated increased aerobic capacity in athletes who drank coffee before their workout. So if you need a little extra energy to make it through that strenuous workout session, a cup of coffee could be the answer.
Furthermore, coffee can also help to improve your overall sports performance as well as gain improvements in muscular strength. This could help when it comes to lifting weights, running and all other forms of physical activity. Ultimately, coffee can be a great energizer pre-workout that can help to increase performance, have more energy and work out for longer periods.
In addition, the caffeine in coffee can also help to reduce the amount of perceived effort needed to complete a physical activity. Studies have shown that this effect is due to the stimulating effect that coffee has on the body, which can in turn increase the amount of energy that is expended during a workout.
Coffee also has a fast-acting affect, as caffeine can hit your system as quickly as 10 minutes after drinking. Most people feel the effects of the stimulating caffeine in coffee within 15-45 minutes of ingestion.
Lastly, caffeine can also help to reduce the physical fatigue and exhaustion usually felt after strenuous exercise. A study from the 2000s showed that athletes who drank coffee before a physical activity had a longer time to reach exhaustion than those who did not.
Mental Performance Benefits
On top of helping athletes improve their physical performance, coffee can have positive effects on the brain as well. Many studies have shown positive effects on mental alertness and clarity after drinking coffee.
Drinking coffee is known to trigger a release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter chemical associated with pleasure and reward pathways in the brain. This reward pathway can lead to a feeling of pleasure, with some of the key components of this being focus and motivation.
The effects of the dopamine can not only help athletes in measuring each workout session, but also make it easier for them to keep going. This boost of energy and “mental edge” can be just as useful as physical performance, when it comes to succeeding in sports.
Finally, some research also shows that caffeine can improve learning and memory. The stimulating effect of the caffeine can help to increase alertness and focus, making it easier to remember things and improve overall cognition.
Negative Effects of Coffee
Although coffee can be beneficial for many athletes and can help to increase performance and alertness, there are potential downsides to drinking coffee as well. The main negative effect associated with coffee is caffeine overload.
Caffeine overload can happen when you drink too much coffee, and can cause symptoms such as headaches and insomnia. As a result, it is important to keep your coffee consumption to a moderate level and drink coffee in moderation.
Moreover, the tannin content in coffee can also lead to digestive problems, such as cramping and bloating. So it is best to drink coffee after a workout and not during, as this can prevent digestive issues from occurring.
Dehydration is also linked to coffee consumption, as caffeine is a diuretic. This means that drinking too much coffee can lead to dehydration, which in turn can lead to fatigue and headaches. Hence, drinking coffee should always be accompanied by drinking plenty of water as well.
Benefits of Decaf Coffee
Decaf coffee is coffee that has had most of the caffeine content taken out, meaning that it is significantly less caffeinated than regular coffee. Decaf coffee still contains up to 7mg of caffeine per cup, meaning that it is still energizing and can still stimulate the mind.
If you are looking for the benefits of coffee but with less of the side effects associated with caffeine, decaf coffee is the way to go. This type of coffee has been found to have many of the same antioxidative benefits as regular coffee, although it does not contain enough caffeine for it to be stimulating.
In addition to its antioxidative benefits, decaf coffee also makes for a great after workout drink, thanks to its hydrating effects. As mentioned earlier, the diuretic effect of regular coffee makes it necessary to stay hydrated. Decaf coffee however, still contains some water, making it the perfect drink post workout.
How to Choose The Right Coffee After Workout?
When choosing the right coffee drink to have after exercise, it is important to look at the ingredients and the sugars. Many ready made coffees contain high levels of sugar and dairy, both of which can nullify the health benefits associated with drinking coffee.
Therefore, opt for coffees that contain natural ingredients and less sugar. Organically grown coffees make for the best choice, as they are free from any harmful chemicals that could affect your health.
Furthermore, it is also important to think about your caffeine tolerance before you reach for the coffee. If you are sensitive to caffeine or do not want to crash after your exercise session, it is best to opt for decaf coffee or any other caffeine free beverage. Opting for caffeine free beverages post-workout, also helps to avoid any severe jolts of energy and fatigue afterwards.
Conclusion
Drinking coffee after a workout can have its benefits, although it is important to remember to not overindulge. As long as you keep to the recommended amount of caffeine, you could reap the benefits of heightened performance and improved alertness. Lastly, make sure to opt for coffees that are organic and without added sugars and dairy.
