The Benefits Of Coffee On Health & Performance

Coffee has numerous health benefits, and some say it should actually be considered a health beverage, since it contains more antioxidants than most green teas. Epidemiological studies have shown that coffee drinkers live an average of 5 years longer than non-coffee drinkers.

This can depend on how and when you take your coffee.

How Should I drink my Coffee?

• For the best results, take your coffee black and only on training days before your workout. It’s a big mistake to consume coffee immediately after training as it can increase levels of cortisol. Spiking the hormone cortisol post workout will make the body catabolic, preventing muscle growth and slowing recovery. Definitely avoid any added sugar or artificial cream. If you desire a cup post-workout wait at least 3-4 hours before consuming to avoid elevated cortisol.
• Coffee beans are among one of the world’s heaviest pesticide sprayed crops. Therefore, organic coffee really is better for your health.
• The darker the coffee, the more antioxidants you’ll consume.
• Organic heavy whipping cream is ok to add, which has shown to increase fat burning activity.
• Added cinnamon lowers blood sugar, has fat loss properties and adds to taste. At BBCT, we like to use a cinnamon stick or mix some cinnamon in the grounds.
• Finally, adding coconut oil to your coffee has been shown to increase thyroid production and daily energy.

How does coffee benefit my health & performance?

• New research indicates that coffee lessens the risk of diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity. It is very high in antioxidants that are useful to the pancreas creating this insulin sensitivity effect.
• Drinking coffee 45 minutes before training has been shown to increase strength and the speed at which muscles contract. It also enhances mood and concentration, and will spare glycogen, forcing our bodies to burn more fat during exercise.
• Coffee protects our bodies from chronic inflammation and can prevent cancer.
• Drinking coffee can improve digestion by increasing HCL production and is good for the liver as it increases detoxification
• Drinking coffee can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and memory decline.

Controlling insulin and managing cortisol are the top two players in optimal health development.

Post training, the goal is to lower cortisol levels by spiking insulin, creating a speedy recovery and putting the body in a hormonally advantaged environment for better gains. This may be achieved by drinking a high quality post workout shake and by eating some type of thin-skinned fruit, or adding a high glycemic fruit juice to your shake. By paying attention to what you drink pre and post workout, you’ll begin to see better results.