The Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition review paper has given many insights about the pros and cons of caffeine intake.
Coffee and caffeine intake’s potential benefits and downsides. (Photo: Harvard Health)
Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition’s Review Paper
A review paper in the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition explores the athletic benefits and potential drawbacks of drinking coffee before workouts or races. According to the review paper of the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition, while coffee contains caffeine, which is known to enhance performance, it also consists of various other compounds that could impact its effectiveness.
One challenge is that it is difficult to determine the exact amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee due to factors like bean type and preparation methods as stated by the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition. The Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition adds that some substances in coffee may interfere with the action of caffeine, potentially reducing its performance-boosting effects.
However, other studies suggest that coffee performs just as well as pure caffeine, and it may even have independent performance benefits. This is because coffee contains bioactive ingredients like polyphenols and antioxidants.
The evidence supporting these additional benefits, however, is limited according to the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition. Many athletes drink coffee before workouts and races because it helps with bowel movements.
According to a published article by Outside, while coffee may have some positive effects, the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition says that it is essential to consider the amount of caffeine consumed and individual factors when using it as a performance aid.
Does Coffee Boost Energy Or Is It Just A Placebo?
In a published article by Medical News Today, a new study compared the effects of drinking coffee to consuming caffeine only and found that coffee, but not caffeine consumption, increases brain activity associated with visual processing and higher-level cognitive function. Ultimately, the study suggests that drinking coffee may have additional benefits beyond those associated with consuming caffeine alone.
READ ALSO: Pregnancy Can Negatively Affect Healthy Breast Tissue Which May Result To Breast Cancer
