Caffeine can boost performance

jacky

Q: I have heard caffeine can be used as a performance supplement. Is this with a special drink or just any beverage with caffeine?

A: You are correct. Caffeine has been successfully used for many years now (perhaps even for thousands of years since a goat herder noticed the effects coffee berries had on his goat centuries ago) as a stimulant to the central nervous system. Caffeine is in many beverages such as coffee, tea, soft drinks and even foods such as chocolate.

Caffeine increases alertness and has also been shown to improve the ability to concentrate. As a supplement it may help promote fat metabolism during exercise according to the American College of Sports Medicine. Be aware, though, that not everyone responds in the same manner to caffeine. Some people become overly nervous, jittery and even sick after ingesting caffeine, especially in large amounts.

The bottom line is that the effects of caffeine occur due to its dosage not just because it is in a fancy sports drink or food. Be careful and don't overdo it as everyone reacts differently to this drug. Typical milligram doses in popular beverages are:

8 ounces of plain coffee has 95 mgs

Brewed black tea has47 mgs

Diet Coke has 47 mgs

8.3 oz Red Bull has76 mgs

Q: What's the science behind the myth that sugar causes hyperactivity in children?

A: There is no science behind that old myth at all. All recent, quality studies have not proven this well-argued tale. The fact is, when you get a group of small children together and offer them cake, sodas, toys and games, then they simply get excited about the situation at hand. Just like adults do at a party. The sugar really has nothing to do with it although many people love to argue this point. Children actually have more of an energizing effect upon each other than any drink or food item does. Think about it. Have you ever seen a lot of kids get together and want to be quiet and sit still? I doubt it. Kids simply energize one another, and it's probably been that way since day one.

Scot E. Long, MSS, CSCS, is an exercise physiologist. He also is a doctoral candidate at the University of Southern Mississippi and a full-time professor at Mississippi College.