There’s no silver bullet, and plenty of “energy-boosting” fitness and wellness products are more hype than anything else. However, there are some science-based ways to boost your energy if you’re feeling sluggish at the gym. Can you really sip your way to more energy? Gulping gallons of coffee every week isn’t the recommended approach to powering through that workout.
Research shows green tea consumption can actually help prevent the production of reactive oxygen species and improve sports performance.
Catechins in green tea
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Exercising, particularly in more intense or longer sessions, can cause your body to produce free radicals, which are unstable molecules. When these free radicals build up in your body, higher numbers lead to oxidative stress — a condition involving tiredness and slower workout recovery. The powerful antioxidants in green tea, particularly catechins like EGCG, help neutralize and combat these free radicals, which can help your body better handle the stress of exercise.
Boost performance
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In research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the authors revealed that green tea consumption can boost endurance and reduce fatigue. Of course, again, it’s not a magic remedy that will solve all of your gym woes, but it’s certainly worth considering if you’re looking to add a little pep in your step. Green tea improves your body’s ability to use fat as a fuel, and that could help your stamina in the gym. Researchers from different studies have also pointed out how this could be useful for weight loss.
Boosting nitric oxide (NO)
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This research also shows green tea boosts nitric oxide, which helps to widen your blood vessels, allowing more oxygen to get to your muscles. More oxygen could mean better performance and less tiredness.
Anti-inflammatory effect
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The anti-inflammatory effects of this vibrant tea could help lower muscle pain and exercise-related muscle damage.
The combo of green tea and exercise
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Combining green tea with exercise could help you feel less tired and burn more fat during your workouts, according to the research. It’s also a safer option to improve performance for most people, and it doesn’t come along with a risk of harmful side effects. Green tea can act as a natural performance enhancer if you drink it regularly, particularly before or around exercise. Research shows you can improve your endurance, lower fatigue, recover faster, and help combat oxidative stress.