Fitness experts cite Protect’s antioxidant benefits

They motivate us to work out harder than we thought possible. They inspire us to have long-term goals. They give us informed choices so we can decide what fitness program suits us best. We trust fitness trainers to offer sound advice so we can look and feel our best.

So when fitness experts Gee Plamenco, Pontri Bernardo and Noel de Leon share their insights into how Nescafé Protect figures into a lifestyle that incorporates fitness, health and well-being, it’s a good idea to take down notes.

Whether it’s the antioxidant benefit to ward off oxidative stress, the energy boost to get you pumping or the sublime pleasure of savoring a hot cup of full flavored coffee, there’s a reason why these three choose Protect to be their gym buddy.

Bernardo, a radio personality and part-time fitness trainer, doesn’t like to talk about age. This NU 107 DJ manages to keep his pulse on the musical beat of the youth while advising his more mature clients on how best to combat the outward signs of aging.

For Bernardo, a balanced diet, plenty of exercise and sufficient sleep are key factors in staying young no matter what your age is.

"If we’re talking about general fitness, then we measure it in terms of muscle strength, endurance and flexibility. But if we’re talking about wellness, then we also have to consider a person’s outlook on like. For many people, outlook often equates to how well they’re dealing with stress. Not knowing how to deal with stress can make you look and feel older than you really are. It’s that simple," he says.

"Most people look older than they really are because they don’t know how to deal with stress. Something as simple as getting enough antioxidants in your diet, exercising and getting enough sleep will produce noticeable results on the way you look and your general outlook on life," he adds.

Stress can come from a variety of sources. Some can be avoided while others are simply facts of life that have to be dealt with.

For instance, oxidative stress, which happens as a natural consequence of breathing oxygen, can be countered to some extent by eating antioxidant-rich foods.

The effects of oxidative stress manifest themselves in commonly perceived signs of aging like wrinkled skin and graying hair.

"That’s why I really appreciate Nescafé Protect. I make it a point to eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables but I still like the idea that I’m getting those extra antioxidants from drinking Protect," says Bernardo.

Each serving of Nescafé Protect provides three times the antioxidant protection of green tea or twice the amount of antioxidants found in other coffees.

Most nights, Plamenco, 23, can usually be found at Gold’s Gym where he advises clients on weight management and general fitness.

He points out that in the evening, when many of his clients are starting to feel tired, a cup of coffee can do wonders to jumpstart a workout routine.

"If you enjoy drinking coffee, then the good news is that coffee is an effective pick-me-up for working out at the gym," he says.

"Most of my clients are already winding down late in the afternoon, so a cup of coffee really helps get them back on track for maximizing their session at the gym by improving their alertness and concentration. Being able to focus on your workout means your time at the gym will yield better result," he explains.

"But, of course, the real health advantage to drinking Nescafé Protect lies in the antioxidant benefit," he adds.

De Leon, a Fitness First trainer and model, is a soft-spoken 24-year-old who has an unconventional view on how Nescafé Protect fits into a healthy lifestyle – one that involves a more holistic approach to wellness.

While De Leon certainly appreciates the antioxidant benefits of Nescafé Protect, he is also quick to point out that one shouldn’t overlook the simple pleasure of enjoying a good cup of coffee.

"A lot of people forget that being able to enjoy the moment is just as important to a healthy lifestyle and overall wellness. It’s easy to lose track of the important things in life when you’re too busy thinking about the future or the past. A good cup of coffee, especially when you’re drinking it with friends, has a way of grounding you entirely in the present," he says.