Fancy a cuppa? You’re not alone. Coffee is one of the most commonly consumed drinks worldwide. Naturally rich in caffeine and antioxidants, it’s well known as an effective ergogenic aid, or performance enhancer. Indeed, caffeine is probably the most researched supplement shown to improve performance across a wide range of sports.
The most common dietary source of caffeine is coffee, but it is also present in tea, cola drinks, energy drinks, chocolate and sports supplements. The major benefits of caffeine on exercise performance appear to be due to its effects on the central nervous system – it