Tea vs Coffee - Which One Is Better For Your Health?

Whether you side with Tea or Coffee in the big debate is usually down to a person’s personal preference. But one thing no one can deny is that both Tea and Coffee can have varying positive effects on the human body and mind. Being the two most popular drinks in the world, Tea and Coffee not only taste good, but can also help people combat various illnesses.

But between the two of them, which one is actually more healthy? Read further as we try to pit their positives against each other:

Pros of Drinking Coffee

While both Tea and Coffee are rich in caffeine: a stimulant that makes you feel energized. Comparing the two however, reveals that coffee generally contains twice as much caffeine as its counterpart. This means that coffee can give you an instant boost of energy that is much more of a boost than tea.

It also contains more antioxidants than tea. Caffeine that is abundantly found in coffee, is also considered an antioxidant that helps prevent “oxidative degradation”, a process that can cause cellular damage. Caffeine also helps boost the rate at which one burns calories by an estimated 3% - 13% and prevents new fat cells from generating.

Recent studies have also proven that coffee can be very helpful in preventing some serious health issues. The diseases coffee can prevent include various kinds of cancers like colon cancer, uterine cancer and liver cancer, type-2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s amongst others.

Pros of Drinking Tea 

It’s true that Tea contains less caffeine than coffee and hence gives the energy boost that is less compared to the latter. The energy boost given by Tea however, is more sustained than coffee. The sustained energy is because of the presence of a chemical called L-theanine that helps the body metabolise caffeine over a longer period of time.

Tea, much like coffee, also prevents different kinds of cancer such as skin, breast and prostate cancers. The antioxidants present in tea helps prevent cell damage and boost the immune system while also having anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the polyphenols present in various kinds of teas also helps lower the blood pressure and control blood cholesterol levels.  

Another benefit that both tea and coffee seem to share is their fat burning properties. Polyphenols like theaflavin present in Tea helps contribute to weight loss. Theaflavins curb pancreatic lipase, an enzyme that plays a key role in fat metabolism. 

So Which One is Actually Better For Your Health?

Well, the answer to this question is a little bit more nuanced than a choice between “this” or “that”. As they both prevent several diseases and contribute to weight loss, the only divisive factor between the two can be devised by the effect they have on one’s energy. The answer to this question, in that case mostly depends on the effect on energy one is looking for from these drinks.

If one is looking to get an instant boost, then Coffee needs to be their go-to choice as the high content in caffeine trumps the acute boost provided by any tea available in the market. In case one is looking for a sustained boost, then Tea has to be their go-to choice. The presence of both caffeine and L-theanine in most kinds of teas contribute to a boost in energy that lasts over a longer period of time when compared to Coffee. 

While both tea and coffee can be had for their various positive effects, it must also be noted that these drinks should be consumed in moderation as an overdose in caffeine can also lead to adverse effects. 

And if you think choosing between the two is hard, picking only one out of the wide range of teas available will be even harder. Treat yourself with the best cup of tea today!