I’m asked often about the health benefits and effectiveness of energy drinks.
I can gracefully answer the first part of the question. The nutrition label on a Rockstar or Monster can tells me all I need to know – stay far, far away.
The effectiveness part is a little trickier because once I read how unhealthy these beverages are, I chose not to drink them. Because I have not tried the energy drinks on the market, I can’t speak to whether or not they “work”.
I do have one energy enhancer – black coffee.
I’ll refrain from enumerating every detail of my love affair with my morning beau. As hard as it is, I won’t delve too far into the acidities and aromas; no need to further romanticize a John Coltrane-filled morning accompanied by French press and a keyboard (or a loved one.)
No, I’m not giving you permission to grab a “Venti Caffé Vanilla Frappuccino” from Starbucks and call it healthy (or romantic!) Coffee to me is just ground beans and hot water. This is the drink I love and the one I’m suggesting has real health benefits.
If you can avoid “syrup” in your coffee, by all means do so.
So what are those health benefits?
- Coffee starts out life as a plant. It retains many important nutrients, even after being brewed, including Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Manganese, Potassium, Magnesium and Niacin.
- Coffee has been extensively studied in humans. Regular coffee drinkers are linked to a lower incidence of type II diabetes, which currently affects approximately 300 million people.
- Coffee can help mental health. People who consume coffee have lower rates of depression and, in some cases, reduced risk of suicide.
- The natural caffeine found in coffee increases energy and reduces tiredness.
- Caffeine is a natural substance and one of the only ones demonstrated to aid in fat loss.
- Caffeine can improve physical performance by increasing adrenaline. Moreover, as it breaks down fat, these fats are released as fatty acids into the bloodstream, which the body burns for energy.
- Caffeine encourages the production of dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters improve cognitive performance, mood, memory and reaction times.
These are some of the many benefits demonstrated in scientific studies posted by Authority Nutrition, a website devoted to an evidence based approach to dietary lifestyle.
Caffeine can be psycho-addictive and, like anything else, shouldn’t be consumed to excess. Drinking it round the clock can have some tangible negative effects. In my experience, I enjoy a cup in the morning with full appreciation for the sensory experience and the way my body and mind respond.
kap, can you speak to the idea that coffee/caffeine will dehydrate you?
Myth: Coffee dehydrates you.
Fact: Only if you overdo it. While caffeine is dehydrating, the water in coffee (and tea, for that matter) more than makes up for the effects, ultimately leaving you more hydrated than you were, pre-java. Consuming 500 or more milligrams of caffeine a day — anywhere from around three to five cups of coffee — could put you at risk for dehydration, Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, RD, tells HuffPost Healthy Living, but let’s all agree to know when to say when.
Won’t dehydrate you if you are drinking 100 0z’s of water everyday
Kap,
Two things I’ve never had. Energy drinks or coffee. That is about to change because of what you wrote. Let’s see what happens. If you see someone running by your house and hair standing up or eyes bugged…don’t panic..I’m passing by going straight to the ocean to swim to..where ever
Gabe,
What about drinking black coffee as a pre workout? Or do you take a pre workout?
Just wanted to know your thoughts.
It’s my go to drink before workouts, Matt.
Kap, do you also use Tea? I typically drink black tea in the morning vs. coffee. thoughts?
also- can you speak to sports drinks like Gatorade? You may have and maybe I missed it. thanks.
Dave,
First, black tea has some strong health benefits. See this:http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/11-benefits-black-tea.html
I’m not a fan of Gatorade. I’ll put this on my list of topics to talk about.
Thanks!
GK
Kap, another great post. I plan to swap the daily Vanilla Latte’s for just black coffee and see how it goes.
Question: rather than a pre-workout powder…….any thoughts on a cup of coffee as a pre-workout energy booster?
This is all great stuff. Please keep it up. I have it as a daily read now and very much look forward to your advice. Thanks Kap!
Just wanted to see your thoughts of Dave Asprey’s Bulletproof Coffee. I heard about it on Joe Rogans podcast, I do love it and feel it gives me a boost, I still question how good it is for you once you add the grass-fed butter.
Love the website, Gabe. Question – is it beneficial to replace black coffee with green tea? Thanks
For health reasons, I need to keep a limit on my caffeine intake. Does decaf have the same nutrients as regular coffee?
Just had my first cup of black coffee. I can’t say I enjoyed it as much as my white chocolate mocha but it’s time to make a change.