Boost Performance By Drinking Black Coffee

Here at the Gear Bunker, we take our coffee seriously…

Growing up I still remember the smell of coffee early in the mornings when my mom was getting ready. I always thought it smelled good, but always thought the taste was horrible.

Fast forward several years to when I joined the Marine Corps. In the field, when you reach a certain level of being cold, you grab whatever you can to warm up your core. That warmth came in the form of the small packet of instant coffee that came in our MREs.

From that point forward I have been an avid coffee drinker. Just black coffee that is.

Believe it or not, coffee does provide some health benefits. It seems like every year we hear differing opinions of how coffee is good for you, only to hear the following year that it is bad for you.

With regard to human performance and longevity, coffee does have benefits. I don’t prescribe to any one person’s views when it comes to health and fitness. I prefer to educate myself from several views and come up with what works for me.

The brand we support and drink on a daily basis is Black Rifle Coffee Company. Both Erik and I are members of their coffee club, have visited their main office, and supported them for several years now.

To this day I have a cup or two every morning. Just black. As long as you’re not adding unhealthy amounts of creamer, flavors, or sugar, you’ll reap the health benefits of drinking that cup of coffee.

So what are these health benefits I’m referring to and how does that tie into human performance?

Does caffeine increase physical performance?

Coffee is known to boost human performance primarily due to its high caffeine content. Caffeine is a natural stimulant that affects the central nervous system, providing various physiological and cognitive benefits. Here are some ways coffee can enhance human performance:

Increased alertness and energy: Caffeine stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which can improve focus, attention, and wakefulness. This can help combat fatigue and increase overall energy levels.

Enhanced cognitive function: Coffee has been shown to improve cognitive functions such as memory, reaction time, attention span, and logical reasoning. It can help individuals feel more mentally alert and perform better on tasks that require concentration and mental effort.

Improved physical performance: Caffeine stimulates the production of adrenaline, which can enhance physical performance. It can increase endurance, reduce fatigue, and improve muscle strength and power. Athletes often use coffee as a pre-workout drink to improve their performance.

Fat burning and metabolism boost: Caffeine is a natural thermogenic, which means it can increase the body’s metabolic rate and help burn more calories. It can also stimulate the breakdown of stored fat, making it a popular ingredient in many weight-loss supplements.

Mood enhancement: Coffee consumption has been linked to an increase in dopamine production, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This can lead to improved mood, decreased feelings of depression, and increased motivation.

Decreased risk of certain diseases: Moderate coffee consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of several diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. These potential health benefits can indirectly contribute to overall well-being and performance.

Having seen what Parkinson’s did to my dad before he passed, that in itself is a motivator for me.

Caffeine For Running

Coffee can also improve fitness endurance. Two studies were done in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.

One covered the effects of pre-exercise coffee on athlete’s endurance. The second covers how coffee enhances 1-mile race performance.

The authors of these studies concluded that between 3 and 7 milligrams of caffeine (in the form of coffee) per kilogram of body weight increased the athlete’s endurance by an average of 24 percent.

Coffee is also a part of the breakfast regimen for Australia’s pro cycling team during the Tour de France race. Traveling Chef, Hannah Grant is responsible for their nutrition and keeping the team fueled for peak performance.

In the documentary Eat Race Win, Grant speaks on the importance of the team drinking coffee prior to the race start each morning. The caffeine gives the athletes an energy boost and cognitive boost, which is critical at the beginning of the race.

Conclusion

Black coffee can be a powerful tool to boost performance in various aspects of life. From enhancing cognitive function to increasing physical endurance, the benefits of consuming black coffee are undeniable. Its ability to improve alertness, focus, and reaction times makes it a popular choice among students, professionals, and athletes alike.

One key advantage of black coffee lies in its natural composition. With zero calories and an absence of additives or sweeteners, it offers a pure source of energy without any unwanted side effects. Its caffeine content stimulates the central nervous system, helping individuals stay awake and attentive during demanding tasks or long periods of mental exertion.

Moreover, black coffee has been shown to enhance physical performance by increasing the release of adrenaline and boosting metabolism. This combination can improve endurance, allowing individuals to push themselves further during workouts or strenuous physical activities.

Ultimately, harnessing the potential of black coffee as a performance booster can be a valuable tool for individuals seeking to optimize their mental and physical capabilities. With its stimulating effects, black coffee can provide the extra edge needed to excel in various aspects of life, making it a popular choice for those striving for success.

Sources:

• Becoming Ageless by Strauss Zelnick
• Whoop Podcast
• Eat Race Win documentary on Amazon Prime
• International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism