Members of Indian cricket team prefer Black Coffee over normal tea - Here's why

New Delhi: It is common knowledge that the Indian cricket team is one of the fittest in the world and it shows when in their performance on the field.

Of course, they are athletes and fitness plays a huge part in their lifestyle and how they conduct themselves when they’re playing.

They stick to a consistent diet and work it out when they go astray, but there are also certain things that they limit themselves to and things that they keep changing.

Going by the latter, the Men in Blue have switched to black coffee from tea. Tea has always been thought of as the healthier option between the two beverages, so it may seem strange that men who have to remain fit and raring-to-go are making this switch.

Although, the caffeine kick is one of the first things many people across the world crave, it is not just for reason that our players have opted for it. It provides other benefits as well. Read on to know what they are!

1. Speeds up fat loss:

Black coffee consumed before your workouts can get your fat burning process rolling. While it will cause the fat cells to be used as an energy source as opposed to glycogen, the high amounts of caffeine in black coffee will increase your metabolism, which will in turn, help you burn the calories faster. Caffeine and other compounds found in coffee also act as an appetite suppressant, making you eat less.

2. Boosts performance:

Numerous studies have shown that caffeine intake before a workout has resulted in increased performance. A report published in the journal Sports Medicine refers to caffeine as a “powerful ergogenic aid,” and states that athletes can “train at a greater power output and/or train longer” after caffeine intake. Another study published in the British Journal of Sports Science found that subjects who consumed coffee before running 1500 meters on the treadmill completed their run 4.2 seconds faster than the control group, on average.

3. Improves focus:

You have to remain calm and vigilant on the field at all times, and this is where black coffee can help you. Black coffee gives focus and concentration powers a heavy boost as well. Improved focus will help keep workouts productive and effective.

4. Reduces muscle pain:

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that participants who consumed coffee before a workout experienced less muscle pain during their workout than those who hadn’t.

And if you’re still not convinced, then let us tell you that the Indian cricket team’s vice captain Virat Kohli swears by his cup of black coffee and calls it his favourite drink! Don't believe us? Check out the pic he tweeted a couple of months back!

(Image courtesy: Virat Kohli/Twitter)

He wrote: "That's how I feel when I have my favorite nibbles & a cup of black coffee in front of me. Stay Healthy, Stay Happy"