Coffee fans and tea lovers have been up in arms over which beverage is better for what feels like a millennium. Though both beverages are great for your health, how exactly should you choose between the two drinks? Let’s spill the tea on these two cups to finally quantify which is better for your health – coffee versus tea.
Coffee versus Tea – The Great Debate
Tea
Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world after water, and for good reason: research has shown that tea can help slow the aging process, boost your immune system, and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
In fact, a new study on the effects of green tea has discovered that green tea is associated with lower levels of depression in older populations. This is, in part, thanks to the L-theanine component present in green teas. Because of green tea’s anti-inflammatory and anti-stress properties, those who drink the herbal concoction are at a decreased risk for developing depressive symptoms later in life.
This study was performed among more than 1,000 adults in Japan aged 70 years or older. Though it did not include those already suffering from depression, it found that people who drank higher levels of green tea were at a significantly lower risk for developing the medical condition.
Unfortunately, there was little evidence to back up a connection between depression and other types of teas, including black tea. However, many teas also share a host of benefits. Tea has less caffeine than coffee with only 20 to 45 milligrams per one eight-ounce cup. If you’re particularly sensitive to caffeine, however, you can choose decaf options for both.
Many teas also have antioxidant components which help protect your body against diseases. And unless you put any sugar or cream in your tea, it’s likely that tea has zero calories.
Coffee
Coffee is a morning staple across the United States. Thanks to its healthy dose of caffeine, a cup of delicious coffee can wake you up and push you through your workday without hesitation.
Though many look at this caffeine consumption as a bad thing, caffeine is not inherently bad for you; it’s only when an individual has too much that it becomes a problem. As such, it’s recommended that coffee drinkers indulge in no more than three cups of coffee per day unless it’s decaffeinated. Luckily, most coffee drinkers only consume 1.64 cups on average, putting countless Americans within a healthy range.
One of the primary benefits of coffee is that it can reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes. It is thought to do so thanks to its control over your blood sugar levels and boost your insulin efficiency. While this effect is lost if you indulge in a creamy sweetener, black coffee can also help you feel fuller for longer, increase your metabolism, and aid in weight loss.
Coffee versus Tea: In Conclusion
When it comes to coffee versus tea, unfortunately, there is no final verdict on which is better for your health. Both options offer a range of health benefits, but it means nothing unless you also practice a healthy lifestyle.
When all is said and done, rely on these factors if you’re stuck between the two: if you like to indulge in a great beverage often, choose tea. If you can limit yourself to a couple of cups a day, coffee may be the right drink for you. Consider your lifestyle choice to make the best decision for your health.