Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, and many sodas and energy drinks. While it’s often associated with negative side effects like jitters and insomnia, in moderation caffeine can also have several positive effects.
Let’s take a look at a few:
An increased metabolic rate
The Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) refers to the rate at which your body burns calories when you’re at rest. Your ability to lose weight and the amount of food you can eat without gaining weight both depend on your metabolic rate. Caffeine has been shown to increase the RMR, which can help you burn more calories throughout the day.
Stimulate the breakdown of fat tissue
Another positive effect of caffeine is its ability to stimulate the breakdown of fat tissue. When you consume caffeine, it stimulates your nervous system. This in turn signals your fat cells to start breaking down fat and releasing it into the bloodstream. This can help with weight loss efforts.
Sustaining the effects of caffeine
One way to sustain the positive effects of caffeine over the long term is to try “caffeine cycling.” This involves reducing or stopping your caffeine intake for a period of time, usually between 2-8 weeks depending on your usual consumption. This helps to manage your caffeine tolerance, and as a result, you’re able to maintain the benefits of caffeine, including increased alertness, weight loss, and improved mood.
