Coffee vs. Tea – What’s Better for Health?

Coffee vs. Tea – What’s Better for Health?

This is an often debated subject, and as of yet hasn’t been resolved. Each morning people wake up and look for a stimulating drink. Coffee and tea are the two most popular drinks in the world people reach for.

In a way, it is unfair on coffee as many individuals include green tea in the equation, for the purposes here we will stick to black tea, so which is the healthiest?

One thing to mention is milk, cream or sugar. All of these tests which were conducted were based on black varieties of both.

The only addition you could make is to tea and would be lemon and honey. All of your barista coffee should be black with nothing added.

Good in Both Brews

Both drinks to a certain level come with the same qualities. Both contain high amounts of antioxidants which are useful in protecting us against free radicals. Many of which might be a cause of cancers and other ailments.

Both tea and coffee can stimulate the brain while raising energy levels and helping us to focus. Further to this both of the drinks go some way of offering protection against Type 2 Diabetes as well as heart disease. Further effects which are related to these are the benefits they brink on issues of obesity.

Coffee provides essential nutrients in the form of B Vitamins, potassium, magnesium and manganese. Tea on the flip-side is packed full of theaflavins which can ease sore muscles and help with improved bone density.

Coffee has also been linked to helping prevent Alzheimer’s, depression and cirrhosis. Tea in a similar way, but not relying on caffeine can perk up the brain by a total of four stimulants. With these, stress can be relieved through cortisol levels being lowered.

Bad to the Bone

There is always too much of a good thing. Here we will take a look at the negatives of each drink.

Hydrochloric acid production is stimulated when we drink the first cup on an empty stomach. Because there is nothing to digest, the entire digestive system can go out of whack.

As a result, protein begins to quickly pass into the intestines where it affects the absorption of iron in other organs such as kidneys and the stomach. This finally leads to the laxative effect which hits some people.

Coffee can also be rough on individuals who might have ulcers or other ailments in the stomach region. Further, around the body, our brain can be overstimulated by coffee which goes to create tension instead of focus.

Finally, there is a carcinogen which is produced in the high roasting procedures. Acrylamide isn’t only specific to roasted coffee, it is found in most other well-cooked carbs.

Tea can also be linked to digestive issues on top of it is a potent diuretic. Adding to this any urinary matters and a compound in tea called oxalate can in some cases lead to kidney stones. Tea leaves contain traces of fluoride which can be a cause of osteofluorosis.

A certain amount of aluminum is also found in tea which can be linked to Alzheimer’s and problems of the brain. This being said it would take massive volumes of tea for these to have a positive effect in this way.

Truth Between the Two

You might have reached this far and found out you are no clearer on the healthier drink than at the beginning of the article. Both drinks have more than enough health benefits to outweigh their bad points.

All this is relevant when they are drunk in moderation, and the best way of finding out is by listening to what our bodies are telling us.

That early morning effect from coffee might be what is needed to rid you of a bloated feeling. Or come evening time a cup of tea is more relaxing and will aid in peaceful slumber rather than being wide awake.

It is for this reason tea can eke out a winning advantage by the very slimmest of margins. Having a good night’s sleep can bring its’ own benefits, so anything which can help with that naturally is a bonus.

Summary

Both drinks are some of the most pesticides sprayed crops on the planet, and for this reason, if you can grab organic varieties, you will avoid any risk of trace elements finding their way into your cup.

On top of this, as both of these drinks are as healthy as each other, you should split the drinking. Coffee is better consumed in the morning while lunchtimes onwards are best suited for tea.

I want to thank Mike Anderson for this guest Blog

Coffee and food enthusiast, Mike, writes for Barista Buzz about his passion in life – coffee! He is particularly interested in what makes a good coffee, and the health benefits it offers.

Photo credit: Copyright : Weerapat Wattanapichayakul