Marathon racers, bicycle racers, cross country skiers, and other endurance athletes may benefit from the caffeine in coffee. The studies by David Costill, an exercise physiologist at Ball State University, indicated that trained cyclists worked 7 percent harder in two hours of cycling when they were given caffeine. In a second test they had 19 percent more endurance.
Caffeine’s stimulant effect is not responsible for increasing your endurance. Rather, caffeine lessens the amount of glycogen burned by the muscles. It stimulates the release of fats from the tissues into the bloodstream. When more fats are available, the muscles burn them in preference to the glycogen. This spares the glycogen stores, and the muscles are able to work longer.
Caffeine overdose is common with athletes who drink three to four cups of strong coffee. Two cups does the trick. The suggested dose is about one and a half to two milligrams per pound. A 150-pound runner may benefit from 300 milligrams of caffeine, the amount in two average cups of coffee.
Source: Sports Health
Very interesting about caffeine. Caffeine in tea products affects me more than coffee. Keep the great info coming Dr. Bob!
ReplyDeleteHi Sue,
ReplyDeleteWhen used right caffeine can be of benefit in many areas. Keep it to 2 cups of coffee or tea. Overuse can cause problems.
Thank you,
Dr. Bob Moulas
Dr. Bob,
ReplyDeleteGreat information here on coffee and caffeine! That explains; why some people in sports events drink coffee before the event.
Thank you for the interesting post!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online