Coffee vs. Tea: Which is Better for You & What are the Differences

Want to know how tea and coffee can fit into your healthy lifestyle? Find out here which is better for you and why!

One of the most popular questions that people tend to have is whether tea or coffee is healthier. In this post, you will find out the truth.

Now, tea and coffee are considered to be the most popular beverages around the world. Both tea and coffee have many similar health benefits and some differences.

1. Caffeine Content


Caffeine is the most consumed stimulant in the world. Tea and coffee have caffeine. It has beneficial and adverse effects on your health.

The caffeine content depends on the serving size, brewing time and the preparation method. However, coffee tends to have twice the caffeine that is found in tea.

2. Benefits of Caffeine


About 400 mg a day is the amount of caffeine that is considered safe for consumption. A 240 ml cup of tea contains 47 mg of caffeine compared to 95 mg in a similar serving of coffee.

Some of the benefits of caffeine include a reduction in the risk of certain chronic diseases, improvement in mental alertness, mood and athletic performance.

Caffeine is a powerful stimulant for the central nervous system which is why in sports, it is considered to be a performance-enhancing substance.

Moderate caffeine intake has been linked to protective effects against metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

3. Antioxidant Levels


Antioxidants are important as they protect the body against free radical damage. Tea and coffee both contain antioxidants. Many studies suggest that black tea has cancer-protective properties.

Whereas, coffee has anti-cancer properties which makes it vital for fighting cancer cell growth and it also protects individuals from liver cancer.

Moreover, other studies show that both tea and coffee might be able to protect from different types of cancers such as rectum, bladder, colon and breast cancer.

Polyphenol is an antioxidant that has been found in coffee and it has been linked to a reduction in heart disease.

4. Boost in Energy Levels by Drinking Tea


Although tea has lower caffeine content, it is still rich in L-theanine which is a powerful antioxidant that stimulates the brain.

It also has anti-stress effects as it increases the alpha waves in your brain which allows you to feel calm and relaxed. Thus, tea offers a more soothing effect as compared to coffee.

5. Boost in Energy Levels by Drinking Coffee


The caffeine found in coffee helps elevate energy levels. It reduces fatigue and increases alertness by increasing your dopamine levels.

The dopamine release leads to an increase in your heart rate. The effect of coffee on your energy levels is instant. Within 45 minutes, the body absorbs up to 99% of the caffeine.

6. Weight Loss


When it comes to weight loss, coffee is the better option as its’ high caffeine concentration helps one lose weight.

The number of calories burnt is increased by caffeine and the effect is maintained for 3 hours from intake.

So Which is Healthier?


Despite side effects such as heart failure and high blood pressure, coffee is safe in moderation.

Both tea and coffee are an excellent source of antioxidants. However, if you are sensitive to caffeine, then tea might be a healthier option.

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