Golf icon Rory McIlroy has divulged his golden rule for enhancing his health, which has also helped him sleep and increased his energy levels.The small change he’s made could also give his physical and mental well-being a significant lift. Speaking with Golf Digest, McIlroy revealed the tip hinges on caffeine consumption at a certain time during the day.
“My caffeine intake is probably a little higher than I would want it to be” the Players Championship winning star said. “But I try not to have any caffeine after 2pm. I feel like if I drink a lot of caffeine, the effect it has on me isn’t quite the same as someone who doesn’t drink it a lot. I probably have, on average, two double espressos a day. Usually one in the morning and then one after lunch.”
While it might seem minimal, those two tiny cups pack a punch with each double espresso containing about 120-150 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, which can vary based on the coffee bean and how it’s brewed.
This means that the 35-year-old golfer is consuming roughly 240-300mg of caffeine every day. The NHS suggests that up to 400mg is generally considered safe, though individual tolerance can differ, reports The Mirror.
McIlroy’s daily intake from just a couple of espressos reaches nearly three-quarters of the advised maximum amount, not counting any additional caffeine he might consume through his diet. But what are the perks of cutting down on caffeine?
By reducing caffeine in your diet, you could see improvements in your sleep quality, experience less anxiety, and even enjoy lower blood pressure. Other potential advantages include weight loss and healthier teeth.
While a cup of coffee might be your go-to morning pick-me-up, it’s worth noting that the caffeine hit can have the same effect if consumed at night. Acting as a stimulant, it can disrupt sleep patterns, meaning an afternoon coffee may not give your body enough time to eliminate it before bedtime.
Caffeine keeps you awake by blocking receptors in the brain, preventing a chemical called adenosine from promoting your natural sleep cycle. If the caffeine buzz isn’t enough to keep you up, its diuretic properties might do the trick, increasing your need for bathroom breaks and potentially interrupting your sleep.
A good night’s sleep is key to feeling refreshed upon waking and maintaining energy levels throughout the day. Reducing intake could lead to less anxiety and improved mood regulation. Some research even suggests that caffeine can increase lactic acid levels, contributing to anxiety.
The impact of caffeine on blood pressure is debated among experts. While some see little change, others believe reducing caffeine could slightly lower blood pressure.
This decrease could reduce the risk of serious health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, and organ failure. Research indicates that caffeine may boost cortisol levels, potentially leading to an increase in belly fat. Cutting down on your caffeine intake could help balance these levels and assist with weight control.
While it’s not directly related to caffeine, reducing intake of beverages such as coffee and cola could enhance your smile too. The reason being, most of these drinks are dark in colour and can result in teeth discolouration.
McIlroy is coming off the back of his second success of the year after he clinched the Players Championship title over J.J Spaun. He will now be looking ahead to the Masters in April, a tournament the Northern Irish star is yet to win.