We give a rundown of the health benefits of coffee and tea, and answer the age-old question of which is the healthier choice
Coffee and tea are some of the most widely popular beverages in the world and, as a result, communities and identities have formed around making and drinking them. Through it all, many ask, which is better: coffee or tea? A lot are divided on the answer as there are merits and side effects to both drinks. However, whatever your feelings are about the other beverage, new research shows that coffee and tea drinkers can come out as winners in the end over those that don’t drink either.
What do we mean by that? Well, both drinks are full of health benefits that experts reason that regularly drinking coffee and tea can lower your risk of early death. In particular, one study said to integrate one to two cups of coffee a day and two to four cups of tea a day into diet patterns and health management programs.
This is because more and more credible studies have come out saying that coffee drinkers, compared to non-coffee drinkers, have a reduced risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Another says that the moderate consumption of one to six and a half cups of caffeinated coffee is associated with a lower all-cause and cancer mortality. Experts have also concluded that caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee is linked with reduced diabetes risk.
Likewise, one study observed that a higher tea intake was associated with lower all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk. Specifically, black tea and green tea drinkers were found to be less likely to die from cardiovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, and stroke than those who didn’t drink tea. Besides improved cardiovascular health, researchers have observed that tea can help lower blood pressure in the long term.
Why are coffee and tea beverages so beneficial to one’s health and longevity? Both drinks are said to have caffeine and chlorogenic acid, which are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammation components, as well as linked to lowering blood pressure, insulin resistance, and improving endothelial function.
Notably, coffee is also a great source of fiber, while both coffee and green tea are found to be rich in antioxidant polyphenols. Polyphenols are thought to benefit one’s health status through the regulation of metabolism, weight, chronic disease, and cell proliferation. Tea is especially beneficial to one’s gut health and in offsetting dysbiosis, which is triggered by obesity or high-fat diets.
That being said, there are still side effects to caffeine that others may be sensitive to, such as inducing feelings of anxiety. However, research shows that these effects are short-term, and the long-term benefits outweigh such risks. All the same, the choice is left to you and your preference as there is no clear answer yet on which drink is exactly the healthier choice.
What does seem to be true is that you’re better off drinking plenty of coffee or tea over most other popular beverages like beer, wine, and soft drinks. But of course, don’t forget about water.
