
While exercising, you may feel the need to go beyond your targets. Hence, increasing your athletic endurance is the way ahead. Although, you may be unsure whether you should opt for sports supplements, specifically caffeine-based.
Many online supplement stores sell caffeine-based sports supplements, and they get sold out in no time! This makes it evident that the stimulating drug has a myriad of benefits for sports professionals in store. Read on to know what makes caffeine the go-to sports supplement.
The Chemistry
You might know caffeine as the bitter-tasting, white-colored stimulant drug that gets you through your busy days. However, there is more to it than this. Getting into the chemistry of this energizing drug: It is based on crystalline xanthine alkaloid.
The drug that gets you out of the grogginess of mornings is a naturally occurring substance. Manufacturers of caffeinated beverages derive the drug from certain leaves, seeds, and fruits of a number of plants.
Some sources may include coffee beans, guarana berries, yerba mate, and coffee beans.
Unlike many psychoactive drugs, the much-favored drug caffeine is legal and unregulated for general consumption. Truly, what a relief! Otherwise, what would have kept you boosted through the Monday blues or your sports matches?
Stimulant
Many athletes vouch for caffeine-based supplements to improve perception, alertness, and endurance.
After you consume caffeine, it gets absorbed in your bloodstream and peaks after 30 to 120 minutes. Although, the effects may not last very long. You will need a refill after 3 to 4 hours to maintain the levels of the drug and increase the longevity of its effects.
Note: Before consuming or refilling caffeine, consult your nutritionist for a suitable amount of the drug.
Why Do Athletes Consume Caffeine?
The benefits of caffeine for athletes are clear for all to see. As an athlete, you will require:
- Boosted energy levels
- Stimulants to push yourself through the long hours of practice and competition
Guess which stimulates this required work for athletes? Yes, you’re right! If you need enhanced athletic performance, you must turn to caffeine for the extra boost.
Studies have shown sports personalities use caffeine products because of their potential ergogenic effects. Post consumption of ergogenic acid, athletes observe better endurance.
After strenuous periods of exercise, caffeine may help maintain your energy levels. It provides a stimulatory advance when you need it the most!
Varied Effects of Caffeine
The primary reason athletes choose caffeine as their go-to sports supplement is its varied effects. Check out the pointers below to know caffeine affects your body.
- The nervous system: It Activates areas of the nervous system to improve focus and energy while reducing tiredness.
- Endorphins: It boosts endorphin level and increases feelings of wellness, giving athletes the ‘exercise high.’
- Hormones: Increases the circulation of hormones responsible for the fight or flight response.
- Fat Burning: Stimulates the process of lipolysis, breaking down fats in the body.
- Muscle: Improves muscle performance.
- Body Temperature: Helps burn more calories by increasing the heat production in the body, resulting in increased body temperature.
- Glycogen: Spares muscle carb stores due to increased fat burning. Hence, it enhances fat burning.
The Myth-Buster: Caffeine and Dehydration
You may have heard the popular health advice – caffeine has a diuretic effect and does not count as a fluid replacer. Well, you can discontinue following this health advice because it is a myth!
Consider this; you may undoubtedly know someone who consumes coffee more than water and performs all the functions well. More so, the U.S military has been studying the physiological effects of caffeine on hydration. They found no detrimental effects of caffeine on a 24-hour urine volume.
Urine losses are similar whether a person has not consumed caffeine or is on a high dose. Hence, the same amount of water is released from the body with no change in the hydration levels.
The fact: Moderate intakes of caffeine do not affect your body’s hydration levels.
Caffeine, like most stimulants, works in favor of athletes. If you want to keep your energy levels intact for prolonged hours, you should opt for caffeine-based sports supplements.
Do you want to boost your energy and endurance for enhanced athletic performance? Head to a local nutrition store or an online supplement store for top sports supplements.