5 Health Benefits of Caffeine for Active Types

From weight loss to post-exercise recovery, the health benefits of caffeine can help you reach your fitness goals.

BY TAYLOR HUGO

 
 

5 Health Benefits of Caffeine for Active Types

From weight loss to post-exercise recovery, the health benefits of caffeine can help you reach your fitness goals.

BY TAYLOR HUGO

 

If you start each morning with a cup of coffee or consume an energy drink for your afternoon pick-me-up, you’re part of the 80 percent of American adults who consume caffeine on a daily basis. The drug (yes, it’s a drug) often gets a bad rap, but the truth is, there are a lot of health benefits of caffeine, especially for athletes.

In fact, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, caffeine can be part of the healthy diet for most people—just don’t go overboard. (Translation: Don’t exceed the recommended 400 milligrams a day.) Whether you’re an active type looking to fuel your next workout or a busy parent needing energy on the go, consider these health benefits of caffeine when reaching for your stimulant of choice.

 
 

one

Caffeine is a healthy stimulant.

There’s a reason why caffeine is so popular among active types: “Caffeine is one of the best stimulants you can use in terms of preworkout. As long as there aren’t any extra additives, you get the added energy, you have the added focus, but once it depletes your system, you don’t get the counter effect of feeling tired and run down,” says Joseph Nickell, the head of U.S. grocery for Bang Energy, which prides itself on offering consumers one of the highest caffeine contents in the energy drink market at 300 milligrams per can.

 

sports drink

 

sports drink

1. Caffeine is a healthy stimulant.

There’s a reason why caffeine is so popular among active types: “Caffeine is one of the best stimulants you can use in terms of preworkout. As long as there aren’t any extra additives, you get the added energy, you have the added focus, but once it depletes your system, you don’t get the counter effect of feeling tired and run down,” says Joseph Nickell, the head of U.S. grocery for Bang Energy, which prides itself on offering consumers one of the highest caffeine contents in the energy drink market at 300 milligrams per can.

 

two

 
 
 

exercise

Caffeine can boost exercise performance.

Caffeine can actually change your perception of how much effort you put into exercising, encouraging you to push yourself harder. Put that boost to good use by partaking in endurance activities, like running or playing sports, while your energy levels are at their peak.

 

exercise

2. Caffeine can boost exercise performance.

Caffeine can actually change your perception of how much effort you put into exercising, encouraging you to push yourself harder. Put that boost to good use by partaking in endurance activities, like running or playing sports, while your energy levels are at their peak.

three

Caffeine can aid weight loss.

In a study published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, researchers found caffeine intake might promote weight, BMI and body fat reduction. Some medical professionals theorize this is because caffeine may suppress your appetite and burn calories, even when you’re at rest. Caffeine is also a diuretic, helping your body eliminate salt and water through urination.

 
 

weight loss

 

weight loss

3. Caffeine can aid weight loss.

In a study published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, researchers found caffeine intake might promote weight, BMI and body fat reduction. Some medical professionals theorize this is because caffeine may suppress your appetite and burn calories, even when you’re at rest. Caffeine is also a diuretic, helping your body eliminate salt and water through urination.

 
 

four

 
 

Caffeine can be helpful for post-exercise recovery.

After an intense workout, our bodies need glycogen resynthesis to recover. Caffeine, when paired with carbohydrates, stimulates glycogen build-up.

stretching

 

stretching

4. Caffeine can be helpful for post-exercise recovery.

After an intense workout, our bodies need glycogen resynthesis to recover. Caffeine, when paired with carbohydrates, stimulates glycogen build-up.

 

five

running

Caffeine can keep you focused.

Even when you have motivation to get to the gym, it can be hard to stay focused on your exercise goals. By consuming a healthy energy drink or cup of coffee beforehand, the caffeine prompts your brain to produce dopamine, a key chemical in your brain for maintaining focus and concentration.

running

5. Caffeine can keep you focused.

Even when you have motivation to get to the gym, it can be hard to stay focused on your exercise goals. By consuming a healthy energy drink or cup of coffee beforehand, the caffeine prompts your brain to produce dopamine, a key chemical in your brain for maintaining focus and concentration.

 

Learn more about the benenfits of energy drinks

 
 

The Importance of Exercise

The Importance of Exercise

3 Coffee Alternatives for Your Caffeine Fix

What are “Clean Ingredients” in Energy Drinks?

What are “Clean Ingredients” in Energy Drinks?

 
 

Look for Bang Energy in the sports drink aisle at your local Kroger store

*Tip: Find the aisle number above the purchase options when shopping online!

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