Coffee vs. tea: Which is healthier? Finding which one is better for you might change your morning routine. Some people love the variety of coffee, from drip coffee to a sugary Starbucks drink or unsweetened tea to sugary sweet tea.
There are a variety of options for either one. But what's the better choice for your health? A lot of it depends on what you enjoy more regarding taste. It also comes down to how much of a health boost you want in the morning and throughout the day.
This guide explores everything you need to know about coffee and tea and which is healthier. We compare caffeine, calories, and more.
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Coffee vs. Tea: What Has More Caffeine?
Are you tired in the morning? Looking for a caffeine pick-me-up in the afternoon? Choosing between coffee and tea can make a difference. But when looking at caffeine specifically, which one will give you more energy?
When it comes to coffee, an 8-ounce cup of coffee contains around 100 milligrams of caffeine. In contrast, an 8-ounce cup of tea has much less, about 50 milligrams. However, this also depends on the kind of coffee you have or the kind of tea you're drinking.
For example, espresso and instant coffee have less caffeine than brewed coffee. Regarding tea, various kinds have more caffeine than others. Black and green teas usually have the highest amount of caffeine compared to white or camellia tea.
Is Caffeine Bad for You?
Choosing between coffee and tea is sometimes a matter of how much caffeine you want to drink. Is caffeine bad for you? That depends on your consumption.
For example, too much caffeine can cause high blood pressure, anxiety, and other serious health problems. While coffee has more caffeine than tea, it doesn't necessarily mean it is bad for you. Moderation is the key to either coffee or tea.
- 4-serving meals starting at $3.77 per serving (up to 25% cheaper than HelloFresh).
- Incredible variety with 10+ weekly meal options, delivered directly to you.
- Easy to prepare meals ready in 30-minutes or less.
Finding the right balance is key to improving your overall health. It can give you an energy boost when you need it. But these aren't the only benefits found in coffee and tea.
Health Benefits
There are health benefits associated with coffee and tea. One of the best benefits is fiber, which cleans your colon and reduces your risk of colon cancer. Every cup of coffee you drink has about 1 to 2 grams of fiber.
On the other hand, tea is not known to have fiber. However, it still has health benefits like polyphenols, which lower your risk of chronic diseases. Polyphenols are also found in coffee.
There are also benefits of tea and coffee on your overall heart health. There are antioxidants in both that improve your blood pressure and cholesterol. There is one particular benefit from drinking coffee that outshines tea, and that's around lowering your risk of cancer. Studies show that coffee reduces inflammation and regulates genes that help minimize cancer risk.
While coffee is a clear winner regarding many health benefits, there's nothing like a cup of tea to minimize stress. Some studies show how tea reduces anxiety and improves relaxation. There's a compound, L-theanine, in tea that promotes relaxation. In contrast, coffee promotes more energy because it has more caffeine.
Longevity on Life
One of the best benefits of either coffee or tea is how it improves your life's longevity. Studies show how coffee or tea drinkers live longer than people who don't consume either.
The science behind longevity comes from polyphenols. They reduce inflammation in the body. Coffee and tea also lower your risk of getting Type 2 diabetes. This is because coffee and tea have antioxidants that decrease blood sugar.
- 4-serving meals starting at $3.77 per serving (up to 25% cheaper than HelloFresh).
- Incredible variety with 10+ weekly meal options, delivered directly to you.
- Easy to prepare meals ready in 30-minutes or less.
Some studies indicate coffee and tea lower your risk of Parkinson's disease. This is because either beverage is known to protect your brain. Lastly, coffee and tea improve your longevity by improving your liver function. It decreases the risk of heart disease. While scientists don't understand the exact science that positively affects your liver, they are looking at specific coffee and tea compounds that help improve it.
Coffee vs. Tea: What Should You Drink?
When deciding which one to drink, there's no question that coffee and tea have tremendous health benefits for you. The question becomes, what kind of health benefits are you looking for? Do you want more caffeine and energy throughout the day or something that will relax you? Coffee is great when it comes to caffeine and other health benefits. While tea also has a lot of help and puts you in a relaxing mood.
Choosing one over the other depends on what you want out of them. It also depends on what kind of coffee or tea you're drinking. Overall, they are both great throughout the day in moderation.