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Patricia:
For years it has been common practice for many weightlifters and athletes alike to chug a cup of coffee or two before completing a tough workout. The reason for this is because they believed that the caffeine in coffee increased their energy levels and made them feel alert and motivated. At the time these people were just taking a stab in the dark but recent studies have now suggested that drinking coffee may be an effective way to energize your workouts and could provide even more positive health benefits than originally thought.

Until a few years ago most of the research on coffee yielded only negative side effects such as insomnia and nervousness. However recently there have been some more positive studies. In fact some research now links drinking coffee in moderation as an effective way to boost you’re metabolism and burn fat. There are also studies that suggest that caffeine can help improve endurance in athletic events such as triathlons and marathons. Therefore consuming coffee before a workout could be beneficial on days when you’re energy level is low.

In 2004 A Harvard school of Public health study linked coffee as a possible tool to help prevent type II, or adult – onset diabetes. A similar Harvard study also said men that reported drinking coffee had a lowest risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Since these studies are fairly new it will take time to learn more about how accurate this information may be. In other words the judgment is still out so stay tuned.

In my opinion drinking coffee in moderation can be a good way to boost your energy levels. I have used it on many occasions to help get through my workouts when my energy levels were low. However it’s important not to rely on coffee as your main source of hydration. Coffee is also considered a mild diuretic and may cause you to become dehydrated if you don’t drink enough water during your workout.

In most of the studies I have read pregnant women and people with high blood pressure should limit or eliminate coffee from their diets. Since caffeine is considered a stimulant it’s always important to consult a doctor before making a decision on whether it’s a healthy choice for you.

There is no doubt that coffee- caffeine- increases our energy levels. It also helps to keep us alert and awake. However it’s important to remember everyone reacts differently to the effects of consuming coffee. If you choose to use it to boost your energy be sure to drink it in moderation and always consult a doctor before deciding if it’s the right choice for your lifestyle.