It's in one of the most popular morning beverages.
It's in a variety of fitness supplements.
It can even be found in over-the-counter medications.
Caffeine is everywhere.
It's one of the most popular and widely used compounds in the entire world. In fact, there's a good chance that you started your day with it.
What's so special about caffeine?
Why is it so popular?
Let's take a look at the top 5 amazing health and fitness benefits that caffeine can provide you.
-
Disease Prevention
The mind is a terrible thing to waste and as we age, our minds become more susceptible to degenerative disease such as Alzheimer's. Diseases of the brain rob people of who they are and while medical advancements have come a long way, there is something simple that you can do to protect yourself: drink more coffee.
Studies show that consistent and moderate caffeine consumption plays an important role in protecting the mind from the onset of Alzheimer's disease. (1-2)
-
Workout Recovery
For anyone who has stepped into the weight room, you know only too well how it feels the next day when you wake up. That feeling of muscle soreness means you did a great job in the gym but now you have to heal up.
Caffeine consumption, particularly coffee, has been shown to boost workout recovery and decrease the amount of soreness you feel. (3)
-
Focus and Alertness
Anyone who has ever tried a cup of coffee can attest to how quickly they feel more alert upon drinking it. What's the secret? Caffeine.
An average cup of coffee will contain around 100 mg of caffeine. Some brands of coffee may contain less and some may contain a lot more. Studies have proven how effective caffeine is at boosting your alertness and focus but you don't need a study to prove that to be true. Try it for yourself. (4)
-
Weight Loss
Ever wonder why caffeine is present in so many weight loss supplements?
First, caffeine is a proven thermogenic compound, which means that it directly promotes fat burning. It triggers the release of fatty acids into the blood stream to be used as a source of fuel.
What's more, caffeine is a potent energy booster, which supports you during physical activities. Once you drink coffee, for example, you're more likely to get up, move about, and burn more calories. (5-6)
-
Energy Booster
Finally, we have caffeine's most popular benefit: energy.
It's no wonder why so many people start their days off with a cup of coffee. Caffeine is one of the most popular ways to increase someone's energy levels. Couple this with the benefits of alertness and focus and caffeine is the perfect tool for work or school. (4, 6)
Conclusion
Caffeine is an effective way to support overall health but it can also play an important role in your fitness goals.
Caffeine can boost performance, increase intra-workout focus, and support recovery. If you aren't already, you need to add Caffeine to your workout supplement list.
Why not make your own Caffeine-focused workout supplement with the Amino Z Supplement Builder?
Add Caffeine to dozens of other ingredients that fit your goals. Try it today!
References
- Eskelinen MH, Kivipelto M. Caffeine as a protective factor in dementia and Alzheimer's disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2010;20 Suppl 1:S167-74. doi: 10.3233/JAD-2010-1404.
- Daniel Borota, Elizabeth Murray, Gizem Keceli, Allen Chang, Joseph M Watabe, Maria Ly, John P Toscano, & Michael A Yassa. Post-study caffeine administration enhances memory consolidation in humans. Nature Neuroscience 17, 201–203 (2014) doi:10.1038/nn.3623.
- Maridakis V, O'Connor PJ, Dudley GA, McCully KK. Caffeine attenuates delayed-onset muscle pain and force loss following eccentric exercise. J Pain. 2007 Mar;8(3):237-43. Epub 2006 Dec 11.
- Kennedy DO, Haskell CF, Wesnes KA, Scholey AB. Improved cognitive performance in human volunteers following administration of guarana (Paullinia cupana) extract: comparison and interaction with Panax ginseng. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2004 Nov;79(3):401-11.
- Acheson KJ, Zahorska-Markiewicz B, Pittet P, Anantharaman K, Jéquier E. Caffeine and coffee: their influence on metabolic rate and substrate utilization in normal weight and obese individuals. Am J Clin Nutr. 1980 May;33(5):989-97.
- Costill DL, Dalsky GP, Fink WJ. Effects of caffeine ingestion on metabolism and exercise performance. Medicine and Science in Sports [1978, 10(3):155-158]
