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THE CASE FOR CAFFEINE
Back in the day, once I started getting more into how to modify my diet I remember being against preworkout supplements to aid in my training. Somewhere through my researching I read it would speed up the metabolism because of all the stimulants. Keep in mind, this training regiment I found was a plan for the ectomorph body type (leaner, lighter framed individuals). So in order for me to gain weight I decided to cut out all preworkout. I swear the only caffeine I took in was a small amount from the occaisional Mountain Dew or soda. Yeah, my diet wasn't the best back then but I was doing serious bulking. I had to make it work so I ate a lot of everything. Eventually, I got heavier and the excess calories caught up to me so I lowered them after a couple years of gaining weight to start shredding. Fast forward and the big thing in bodybuilding is Jay Cutler, Ronnie Coleman, and... PREWORKOUT. Supplements loaded full of stimulants primarily caffeine, caffeine derivatives, B Vitamins, and amino acids. It's an 'everything under the sink' approach. Something is bound to effect you.
"Formulated to help you break into a focused rage and push heavier weights was the mental selling point being advertised."
Heavier weights also mean... you guessed it... bigger muscles. Creatine in preworkout supplementation was also making a bigger appearance at this time but we'll get to that in another blog. I was 18 at the time and finally able to buy supplements on my own at GNC so I started to try out different supplements besides just protein, Animal vitamins, or pure creatine. My first preworkout I remember was made by CytoSport. It was called Fast-Twitch with caffeine and also had a new creatine in it called Kre-Alkalyn. Supposedly pH correct so it would be better absorbed into the body. It was on sale because nobody probably wanted to try the less popular orange flavor. I just had to get it though so I did. Upon getting home the first thing I did was open it and reread the directions and nutrition label (my favorite part!) I mixed a scoop of it into a glass of water and chugged it quickly. Okay... let's go lift some weights down in the basement and see how it effects me. I think it either made me think I was stronger (placebo) or actually did or perhaps maybe even both combined because I did lift more and workout more that night. My opinion on preworkout changed and saw it as beneficial. Fast-Twitch was a good starting point. But we like a variety right so over time I've tried a lot. From 1M.R., Jack3d, Assault, and some N.O. Xplode. We won't go into detail about every preworkout and how it worked. I will say two of my favorites right now are Amino Energy by Optimum and Nitraflex by GAT.
So fast forward once again and you see a lot more energy drinks on stock in stores everywhere. Remember back when the only flavor of Monster was the original flavor and Red Bull came in small cans. They weren't as popular back then. Well, now we have a big demand for them. I think it shows how much people like their caffeine. The caffeine laced energy drink is a dependable, lucrative market in the food industry. Coffee is also booming but it's always been that way. Over 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed per day throughtout the world. Seems like our fast paced world makes us tired so we need some way to keep up through stimulation. Stimulants. Remember caffeine is a drug. In fact...
"it's the most popular psychoactive drug in the world."
Caffeine is also physiologically and psychologically addictive. Long-term consistent consumption will leave you with short-term withdraw symptoms if you decide to quit cold turkey. Some more negative effects of caffeine are dehydration (diuretic), it can cause high blood pressure, can increase feelings of anxiety, and can cause indigestion. Know how much you're ingesting into your body. Listen to your biofeedback. Always follow the directions on supplements and practice sensibility with caffeine.
And now to the positive health benefits of caffeine in moderation that have been shown by research...
1. Caffeine can increase physical performance and metabolic rate which can help you burn more fat in the gym.
2. Caffeine can improve depression and make you happier.
3. Caffeine can improve mental functions such as memory, mood, energy levels, reaction times and general cognitive function.
4. Caffeine can lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases later in life such as alzheimers.
5. Caffeine rich coffee has antioxidants and also been shown to reduce risk of type 2 diabetes.
400 milligrams has been generally accepted as the limit not to be exceeded.
Four-hundred milligrams is about 10 cans of soda, or two energy shots. Your average energy drink boasts about 160 mg. Experts advise, try keeping it to a minimum of 100 milligrams per day. Keep in mind how you're getting caffeine. Energy drinks usually have lots of sugar in them. Coffee is one of the healthiest ways to reap these benefits.
Hopefully this blog helped you become more knowledgeable of a substance you've probably been putting into your body for some time. I cant tell you to drink more caffeinated beverages but I know I will. Now that you are more aware you can use it to help you reach your goals and better stay the course.
- PRIMITUS
- BLOG 1 : PATHWAYS
- BEGINNER WORKOUT PROGRAM
- BLOG 2 : LEAVING FOOTPRINTS
- BLOG 3 : THE SPICE OF LIFE
- BLOG 4 : 4 REASONS TO RETHINK FACEBOOK USAGE
- BLOG 5 : MOTIVATION
- BLOG 6 : THE CASE FOR CAFFEINE
- MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES PART 1
- BLOG 7 : FIGHT CLUB
- BLOG 8 : FREE FALLING
- MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES PART 2
- BLOG 9 : BRANCHING OUT
- BLOG 10 : BLAST FROM THE PAST
- BLOG 12 : PATHWAYS PART 2
- MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES PART 3
- BLOG 13 : PATHWAYS PART 3
- BLOG 14 : ARMAMENT
- MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES PART 4
- PERSPECTIVE REDEFINED
- BLOG 15 : BREAK DOWN
- THE COLONEL SANDERS STORY
- BLOG 16 : WRECK
- BLOG 17 : NIGHT VISIONS
- BLOG 18 : CHANGES AHEAD
- BLOG 19 : PATHWAYS PART 4
- MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES PART 5
- BLOG 20 : PATHWAYS PART 5
- 3 MILITARY SKILLS TO LEARN
- BLOG 21 : ROAD TRIP PART 1
- QUOTATION COMPILATION
- BLOG 22 : THOUGHTS