Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide, but for athletes, it can be more than just a morning boost. Especially, cold brew has gained popularity within specialty coffee as a healthier and more suitable option for those looking to improve their physical performance. In this post, we tell you why cold brew is ideal for athletes and what properties make it stand out.
What is Cold Brew?
Cold brew is a coffee made by cold infusion of coffee beans over a prolonged period (usually 12 to 24 hours). Unlike traditional coffee, which is brewed with hot water, cold brew uses cold or room temperature water, giving it a smoother and less acidic flavor.
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Benefits of Cold Brew for Athletes
Cold brew is not only a refreshing drink, it also offers significant benefits for those who practice sports. Here we tell you the most important ones:
1. Higher Caffeine Concentration
Prepared with a higher amount of ground coffee and for a longer time, cold brew tends to have a higher caffeine content than traditional coffee. This property makes it an excellent ally for athletes seeking an energy boost before training. Caffeine is known for:
- Improve athletic performance: It helps reduce the perception of effort, allowing you to train more intensely.
- Increase endurance: Several studies have shown that caffeine can increase time to exhaustion during endurance exercises such as running, swimming, or cycling.
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Promote fat burning: Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, which helps mobilize fatty acids and use fat reserves as energy.
2. Lower Acidity
Cold brew is less acidic than hot coffee, making it gentler on the stomach, ideal for athletes who are sensitive to the acidity of traditional coffee. This factor allows it to be consumed before a training session without the risk of causing digestive discomfort or reflux.
3. Prolonged Hydration
Although coffee has diuretic properties, cold brew can be prepared with more water, which helps maintain hydration throughout the day. Additionally, being a cold drink, it is refreshing and can be an excellent option for hot days or after intense workouts.
4. Antioxidants
Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants, compounds that fight cellular damage caused by intense exercise. The antioxidants in cold brew can help reduce inflammation and speed up muscle recovery, which is vital for athletes who train frequently or at high intensity.
5. Sustained Effect
Cold brew has a more prolonged and smooth energizing effect compared to hot coffee. Due to its slow extraction process, the caffeine in cold brew is released more gradually, which means you won't experience the typical "energy crash" that happens after drinking hot coffee. This makes it ideal for athletes who need to maintain high energy levels throughout the day.
When is the Best Time to Drink Cold Brew?
Cold brew can be consumed in different ways depending on each athlete's goal:-
Before training: If you want to improve your performance, drink cold brew 30 to 60 minutes before training. The caffeine will reach its peak concentration in the blood, providing an energy boost.
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After training: Cold brew, due to its antioxidant content and its ability to aid recovery, can be an excellent choice after working out to combat inflammation and facilitate muscle regeneration.
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During the day: If you need to maintain a steady energy level throughout the day, a moderate dose of cold brew in the morning or at noon can help you stay active and focused.
Is Cold Brew for Everyone?
Although cold brew offers several benefits, it is important to keep in mind that it is not for everyone. People sensitive to caffeine or with insomnia issues should moderate their consumption, especially in the afternoons. As always, the best approach is to listen to your body and adjust the dose according to how you feel.
For athletes, cold brew can be an excellent addition to their daily routine. Its energizing, antioxidant, and low-acidity properties make it an ideal drink to improve physical performance, speed up recovery, and maintain energy throughout the day. Whether you drink it before or after training, cold brew can be the natural boost you need to reach your sports goals.
