Coffee Or Tea, Which Is The Healthier Choice?

While both coffee and tea can have health benefits, the specific advantages vary depending on factors such as the variety, cultivation method, brewing technique, and amount consumed. Coffee consumption has been shown to offer various health benefits, including promoting heart and gut health and reducing inflammation.

In addition, drinking coffee has been linked to a reduced risk of diabetes and heart disease. For instance, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that regular coffee intake was associated with a lower likelihood of developing coronary heart disease.

Like coffee, tea has also been researched for its potential to lower the risk of heart disease. A meta-analysis of studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that drinking tea was linked to a reduced likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, tea has been extensively studied for its association with a decreased risk of cancer.

Both coffee and tea contain caffeine, but the amount varies. A typical 8-ounce cup of coffee contains approximately 95 milligrams of caffeine, while an 8-ounce cup of black tea contains roughly 50 milligrams, and green tea contains approximately 30 milligrams. This means that coffee contains twice as much caffeine as an equivalent amount of black tea and over three times the amount of caffeine as green tea.

Although tea also contains caffeine, it has been demonstrated to enhance cognitive function and alertness. Moreover, the presence of theanine, an amino acid, provides tea with the additional advantage of lowering stress levels.

Green tea, in particular, is a potent source of polyphenols, a group of potent antioxidants that have been linked to a reduced likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer.

Excessive coffee consumption can cause various side effects, such as heightened anxiety, sleeplessness, and elevated blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, coffee’s acidic nature may exacerbate acid reflux and gastrointestinal problems in some individuals.

For the healthiest option, it’s best to choose coffee or tea without flavoured additives or sweeteners, which can cause a sugar rush followed by a crash. If you prefer to add sweetness to your beverage, natural alternatives like honey or even coconut sugar is a better option.

So what would you choose? For most of us here, it’s still coffee or nothing I’m afraid!