Coffee Before Workout: Is It A Good Idea?

 Coffee

Compounds in Coffee 

The unique flavour which is typical to coffee is because of the naturally occurring compounds present in it. These compounds also make it a power drink. Read on to know more about the compounds present in coffee and how they help:

1. Caffeine

Caffeine, a plant-based compound, is an active stimulant. It is naturally found in about 60 plant species, including cocoa beans, kola nuts, tea leaves, and coffee beans. As it is absorbed quickly and enters the bloodstream instantly, it affects the functioning of various organs with a visible impact on the brain and the central nervous system. 

In the brain, it blocks the effects of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that signals the brain to feel tired. Thus, as caffeine in coffee cuts this signal, the brain becomes more active, alert and less tired. This pushes the entire body into the ‘active’ zone by delaying the onset of tiredness.

2. Antioxidants

Coffee contains a high dose of antioxidants like chlorogenic acids and melanoidins. These help the body from damage caused by free radicals. It thus protects the body from debilitating conditions like cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, liver cancer, gallstones, cirrhosis of the liver, and Parkinson’s diseases.

Antioxidants also help burn fat by curbing the enzyme required to make triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood.

3. Diterpenes

Diterpenes are a class of chemical compounds in the oil found inside coffee beans. The two abundantly present diterpenes in coffee are – cafestol and kahweol. Diterpenes possess biological attributes and help in anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antispasmodic activities. 

The anti-inflammatory properties of coffee are especially helpful in cutting post-workout inflammation in the muscles.

How Does Coffee Work?

Caffeine is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream through the gut. The blood levels peak within 30 minutes of consumption and remain high for about 3 hours before its effect begins to wane. Unlike other sports supplements, caffeine affects cell functioning throughout the brain and body. Thus, coffee’s effects on exercise performance are instant and widespread. These include:

1. Brain – Caffeine stimulates brain cells and the central nervous system. This improves concentration and energy while delaying the onset of tiredness.
2. Hormones – Caffeine triggers the production of epinephrine (adrenaline), the fight or flight hormone.
3. Body temperature – Caffeine has thermogenic properties which help burn more calories.
4. Fat burning – Caffeine increases fat burning through lipolysis, breaking down fats in fat cells.
5. Endorphins – caffeine triggers the release of endorphins, chemicals that help relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve the sense of well-being and satisfaction.
6. Muscles –  Caffeine improves muscle strength and enhances muscular power.