Using Caffeine to Your Benefit
Caffeine has a bad reputation, for good reason. Too much of it – and most people consume too much – can definitely create health issues. On the other hand, if you’re conscious of your caffeine consumption and aware of its potential benefits in small quantities, you can use caffeine to your benefit without risking health problems. (Please note: some people are extremely sensitive to caffeine for some reason and should avoid caffeine in any amount.)
Boost for athletes
Athletes can add a small amount of caffeine to pre-workout and pre-event meals. This gives your body a burst of quick energy while you’re waiting for the release of energy from carbohydrates you’ve consumed.
Caffeine should never be your only energy source, because it will let you down after a few minutes. As a supplement to appropriate snacks and meals before a workout or event, it helps:
- Increase the amount of body fat you burn in a workout
- Keep you working out longer before fatigue sets in
- Improve your athletic performance
It is advisable to consume caffeine along with protein and carbohydrates. This helps to ensure a steady flow of energy as your body first uses the energy derived from the caffeine, then moves onto the slower-burning carbohydrates.
Because caffeine is a substance your body will develop a tolerance for, it’s important to keep the levels you use as low as possible. Otherwise, they’ll stop working and you’ll need more, and you get stuck in a vicious cycle that no longer benefits you.
Note that some doctors recommend avoiding caffeine completely to prevent athletes from becoming reliant on you. A doctor can help you decide what is the right choice for you. It depends partly on your tendency to build tolerances for substances, which is largely genetic and not something you can affect through mental discipline. It also depends on other health considerations such as your blood pressure and family history of heart problems.
Caffeine is not at all necessary, and will make little or no difference to some athletes.
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