Love coffee and exercise like me? Or maybe you love just the coffee part …Well there's good news, a recent study has proven that coffee and exercise both can positively effect our DNA.
Here's what happens
We won't get crazy into the science, but basically within seconds of exercising our genetic code isn't changed, but DNA molecules within the muscle cells are altered in a very special way. Chemical and structural changes occur in the stretches of DNA that are involved in turning on the muscle adaptation to exercise genes.
So what's up with coffee then?
This study also revealed that caffeine has been found to accomplish the same thing. Muscles exposed to caffeine in the lab experience similar changes to the DNA which mimics muscle contraction. However, just because there are some positive effects from coffee, don't ditch your exercise and substitute it with an espresso. Because just like with most things in life…
Use it or lose it.
More than ever this study reveals that our muscles are much more "plastic" than we ever imagined. No not like "Barbie" or "Ken", but just like "we are what we eat", our bodies adapt to what "we do" or "don't do." Therefore, exercise in the proper amounts is medicine, especially because…
Our genes are more flexible than we thought.
Environmental factors can and do turn on and off various genes. So go out for that hike or bike ride after your cup o "Joe" and perhaps double the benefit.
What are your thoughts? Does a cup before your workouts seem to help or hinder your performance? Let us know in the comment section below and share this post with your coffee loving friends.
Great stuff! Thanks for sharing it.
I find that a cup of coffee before any exercise gives me extra energy and I'll be sweating much more too. Definitely helps my performance. Didnt know its a DNA effect to it. Thanks
I’m more with it when I have my cup than without.