Coffee can boost sporting performance

Elizabeth Smythe

2011-08-25 3:15 PM

Caffeine can bring significant benefits to those who are in training, reports Triathlete Europe.

For many years, the positive effects of drinking flat white, strong black, frothy cappuccino or espresso coffee have been expounded by scientists and consumers alike. 

With a plethora of health benefits that reportedly include lowering the risk of diabetes and combating cellulite, it now appears that drinking caffeine can boost sporting performance, too.

Research has shown that caffeine can help “increase muscle recruitment” and delay fatigue by “reducing the athlete’s perception of effort.” This occurs as caffeine boosts the concentration of beta-endorphins in the brain which control mood, minimise perception of pain and generate a sense of well-being.

Scientists at the University of Birmingham found that caffeine helped increase glucose absorption, thus providing fuel to the muscles faster, according to highfive.co.uk. The upshot of this is that individuals can work harder, for longer before tiring; hence it’s recommended that athletes consume caffeine along with glucose-laden sports drinks.

Caffeine has also been found to aid with the recovery process, post-exercise. It can reduce muscle soreness by 50 per cent, researchers at the University of Georgia found.

The only catch is that the benefits are predominantly felt by those who don’t consume much coffee, however cutting down for a week before the big event should have the same effects.