With the growing interest in fitness and health, cold brew coffee, such as cold brew and iced espresso, has become a popular choice for exercise enthusiasts. Cold brew coffee is a refreshing beverage that's perfect for hot summer days when temperatures reach over 40°C. But have you ever wondered about the effects of drinking cold brew coffee after a workout on performance and recovery? Coffee contains caffeine, a powerful stimulant that can affect the body in multiple ways. In this article, we explore the effects of drinking cold brew coffee after exercise on physical performance, recovery, and overall health, focusing on the needs of the Saudi audience. We'll also explain how the Rafa'at Al-Qahwa store can support you in preparing the perfect cold brew using appliances like the Hario Cold Brew and the Euroice FD-70. We aim to provide a comprehensive guide to help you make healthy and informed post-workout decisions.
What is cold coffee?
Cold brew coffee is typically prepared in two main ways:
- Cold Brew: Ground coffee beans are steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours, producing a smooth, low-acid flavor.
- Iced Coffee: Coffee is prepared hot (such as espresso or V60) and then cooled by adding ice cubes or cold water.
Cold brew coffee contains caffeine (50-200 mg per cup depending on the preparation method) and antioxidants like catechins, making it a popular choice after exercise to boost recovery.
The effect of drinking cold coffee after exercise
Based on scientific research, here are the effects of drinking cold coffee after exercise on performance and recovery:
1. Boost energy and alertness
The caffeine in cold brew coffee acts as a central nervous system stimulant, increasing alertness and reducing post-workout fatigue. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, caffeine improves mental and physical performance by 5–10% after intense exercise.
- Benefit: Helps athletes recover after strength training or cardio in the gym.
- Precautions: Avoid excessive intake (more than 400 mg of caffeine per day) to prevent anxiety or sleep disturbance.
2. Reduce muscle soreness
Caffeine may help reduce post-exercise muscle soreness (DOMS). A study showed that consuming 5 mg/kg of caffeine (about 1–2 cups of cold coffee for a 70-kg person) reduced muscle pain by up to 48%.
- Benefit: Ideal for those doing resistance training or running in Riyadh or Jeddah, as it helps in quick recovery.
- Recommendation: Prepare a cold brew cup using Ethiopia Yirgashi beans from the Luxury Coffee Store for a refreshing and powerful flavor.
3. Improve hydration
Contrary to popular belief, cold brew coffee doesn't cause dehydration when consumed in moderation. It has been confirmed that coffee contributes to hydration like water when consumed in moderate amounts (up to 400 mg of caffeine per day).
- Benefit: In the hot Saudi summer, cold coffee helps replace fluids lost during exercise.
- Recommendation: Use the Euroice FD-70 Coffee Maker from Luxury Coffee to add ice cubes for added hydration and refreshment.
4. Boost metabolism and burn fat
Caffeine increases resting metabolic rate by 3-5% for up to 3 hours after consumption. This helps burn calories after exercise, supporting weight loss or fitness goals.
- Benefit: Ideal for Saudi athletes looking to improve body composition after cardio or HIIT training.
- Recommendation: Prepare iced coffee using Brazil Cerrado beans from the Luxury Coffee Store and add almond milk for extra nutritional value.
5. Support carbohydrate consumption
Caffeine helps improve carbohydrate absorption after exercise, which promotes the replenishment of muscle glycogen stores. One study showed that consuming caffeine with carbohydrates after exercise increased glycogen replenishment by 66% compared to carbohydrates alone.
- Benefit: Ideal for athletes who perform intense exercises such as weightlifting or endurance sports.
- Recommendation: Add a spoonful of honey or maple syrup to your cold coffee to provide quick carbohydrates.
6. Improve mood and concentration
Caffeine stimulates the release of dopamine, which improves mood and enhances concentration after exercise.
Suitable for people who exercise in the morning or after a long work day in Riyadh or Dammam.
Try washed Colombian beans with a Hario Cold Brew machine for a refreshing cold brew that supports focus.
Precautions when drinking cold coffee after exercise
Despite the benefits, there are some precautions to consider:
- Avoid excess: Consuming more than 400 mg of caffeine per day may cause anxiety, increased heart rate, or disturbed sleep.
- Extra hydration: Drink a glass of water with cold coffee to replace lost fluids, especially in hot weather.
- Avoid sugary additives: Excess sugar may reduce the health benefits, so use honey or almond milk instead.
- Caffeine Sensitivity: If you are sensitive to caffeine, try low-caffeine beans like Ethiopia Yirgashi beans from the Luxury Coffee Shop.
- Timing of consumption: Avoid drinking cold coffee in the evening to avoid the effect of caffeine on sleep.
Best Coffee Beans for Post-Workout Cold Brew Coffee
Choosing the right beans enhances your post-workout cold brew coffee experience. Here are the best options available at the Rafa Coffee Store:
- Ethiopian Yirgashi beans:
- Flavors: jasmine, lemon, berry.
- Why?: Refreshing acidity and a light texture that refreshes after a workout.
- Method: Cold Brew using a Hario Cold Brew Maker.
- Brazilian Cerrado Pills:
- Flavors: caramel, nuts, chocolate.
- Why?: Sweet flavors and a velvety texture perfect with milk after a workout.
- Method: Iced espresso using a Breville machine.
- Washed Colombian beans:
- Flavors: citrus, caramel, cocoa.
- Why?: Balanced flavors support recovery and focus.
- Method: Iced V60 using Hario V60.
How to prepare cold coffee after exercise
For cold brew
- Grind 100g of Ethiopian Yirgashi or Brazilian Cerrado beans to a coarse texture using a Baratza Encore grinder from the Luxury Coffee Shop.
- Soak the beans in 1 liter of cold water in a Hario Cold Brew Maker for 12-18 hours in the refrigerator.
- Strain the mixture through a paper filter and add ice cubes from the Euroice FD-70 machine.
- Add a spoonful of honey or almond milk to boost carbs and protein.
- Served in a glass cup from the Luxury Coffee Shop.
For iced espresso
- Grind 18g of washed Colombian beans to a fine consistency.
- Use a Breville machine to extract 30-40ml of espresso.
- Pour the espresso over ice cubes from the Euroice FD-70 machine.
- Add cold milk or maple syrup to taste.
- Served in a glass cup with an eco-friendly straw.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Post-Workout Cold Brew Coffee
- Right timing: Drink cold coffee within 30-60 minutes after exercise to boost recovery.
- Add carbohydrates and protein: Add honey or milk to support glycogen replenishment.
- Use fresh beans: Choose freshly roasted beans (within 2-4 weeks) from a coffee shop.
- Adjust the amount: Stick to a maximum of 1-2 cups (200-400 mg of caffeine) after exercise.
- Use professional tools:
- Hario or Chemex Cold Brew Maker for pure cold brew coffee.
- Baratza Encore grinder to ensure consistent grinding.
- Euroice FD-70 machine for refreshing ice cubes.
- Drink water first: Start with a glass of water to rehydrate before drinking coffee.
- Customize the flavors: Add mint or vanilla syrup for a flavor that suits the Saudi taste.
- Proper storage: Store Cold Brew in the refrigerator for no more than 48 hours.
The role of the luxury coffee shop in supporting fitness enthusiasts
Luxury Coffee Shop is your perfect destination for cold brew coffee to support post-workout recovery:
- Specialty beans: Ethiopian Yirgashi, Brazilian Cerrado, Colombian Washed from roasters like Doha and Oro.
- Preparation tools:
- Hario and Chemex Cold Brew Maker for perfect cold brew coffee.
- Baratza Encore and Hario hand grinders ensure precise grinding.
- Euroice FD-70 machine for refreshing ice cubes.
- Accessories: Glass cups, paper filters, and eco-friendly straws.
- Fast delivery: Shipping to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and all over the Kingdom.
- Customer Support: A dedicated team to provide advice on preparing cold coffee.
Finally, cold brew coffee is a refreshing and effective beverage for supporting performance and post-workout recovery. It boosts energy, reduces muscle soreness, supports hydration, and improves metabolism and mood. By using it in moderation and choosing beans like Ethiopian Yirgashi or Brazilian Cerrado from the Rif'at Al-Qahwa store, you can enjoy the benefits of cold brew coffee without the side effects. Using tools like the Hario Cold Brew Coffee Maker, the Baratza grinder, and the Euroice FD-70 coffee maker, you can prepare the perfect cold brew for your workout sessions during the hot Saudi summer. Order now from the Rif'at Al-Qahwa store and enjoy cold brew coffee that supports your fitness and recovery.