Coffee and Tea
Debates have been going on for a long time on the benefits of tea and coffee. Owing to their antioxidant levels they are promoted as healthy drinks for athletes.
Health Benefits of Tea for Sports Women
Antioxidants
Antioxidants in tea, referred to as flavonoids, neutralize the free radicals in the body and thereby ensure the well being of cells and tissues. They are special groups of antioxidants found in black and green tea, apples, onions, and other fruits and vegetables. The manufacturing process, the brewing conditions, and the variety of the tea control the amount of flavonoids. Antioxidant levels are unaffected by the temperature levels of the tea. If taken with meals, the flavonoids in tea partially restrict the absorption of iron from vegetable food. However the iron absorption from meat products is not affected. Iron absorption can be increased by taking lemon, a vitamin C rich food, with the tea.
Fluoride
Tea also contains fluoride that is instrumental in reducing plaque and preventing tooth decay. Green tea helps prevent rheumatoid arthritis and boosts the immune system. Studies have shown that in countries like Japan and China where people drink three or more cups of green tea daily have a reduced risk of prostrate, breast, stomach and oral cancers.
Caffeine
Unsweetened, fresh-brewed tea has no fat, sugar or carbonation. It also contains about one-half the caffeine found in a comparable cup of coffee. The American Medical Association suggests “moderate tea or coffee drinkers probably need have no concern for their health relative to their caffeine consumption provided other lifestyle habits (diet, alcohol consumption) are moderate, as well.” About 300 milligrams of caffeine per day is considered to be moderate.
Health Benefits of Coffee for Sports Women
Boosts Athleticism
Caffeine in coffee is believed to boost athleticism. It is a powerful aid in boosting athletic endurance and performance levels. Till recently caffeine was enlisted in the controlled substances list by the Olympic Games Committee making its consumption only in limited quantities by competing athletes.
Stimulates Central Nervous System
Caffeine boosts the central nervous system by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for the calming effect in the body. The adrenal glands thus releases adrenaline as a result of which heart rate increases, pupils dilate, muscles tighten up, and glucose is released into the blood stream for extra energy.
Enhances Endurance
Caffeine consumption prior to training enhances endurance in moderately strenuous aerobic activity. Studies on caffeine consumption have shown that elite distance runners and distance swimmers were able to attain increased performance times following caffeine consumption.
Negative Effects
Both coffee and tea have their own share of minus points too. Caffeine is a diuretic and results in loss of fluid, which leads to a dehydrating effect. In activities such as resistance training this is not a desirable end. Caffeine may also affect the sleeping patterns in the long term.
There should be a balanced approach towards the consumption of tea and coffee. There is a need for further studies in this area to determine the benefits and potential risks.