Cycling Plus

CAFFEINE HELPS YOU BURN MORE FAT…

If it sounds too good to be true, perhaps it is...

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The performanc­eenhancing benefits are well known, but this claim, seen on leaflets in bulk-buy caffeine gels, seems too good to be true, suggesting some sort of metabolic assist. According to sports dietitian Sarah Danaher, MSC, of SRDNutriti­on, the claim is disingenuo­us, but could be seen as true.

“There is little evidence to support the theory that caffeine affects fat burning. However, in terms of weight loss, caffeine can help you to work harder for longer, ultimately resulting in more calories expended.”

Aside from its workout-boosting properties, hundreds of studies have shown that 2 or 3mg of caffeine per kilo of bodyweight about an hour before exercise can prolong an athlete’s time-to-fatigue point and reduce the feelings of pain and effort that come with a hard workout.

“You can easily get this amount of caffeine by drinking coffee. Caffeine levels vary greatly in coffee due to variations in blend and brewing technique, but the content from instant coffee seems to be consistent, with one teaspoon providing 60mg of caffeine. So, if you enjoy a cup of coffee this can be the easiest way to get the right amount of caffeine. As a word of warning, more caffeine doesn’t result in better effects. Higher doses are more likely to give you side effects such as nausea and shakiness.”

“As a word of warning, more caffeine doesn’t result in better effects. Higher doses are more likely to give you side effects such as nausea & shakiness”

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