Coffee Or Tea?

For most individuals, mornings start with a hot cup of something with caffeine. Americans consume about 400 million cups of coffee per day, and over 160 million cups of tea with it being the second most popular beverage globally after water. But have you ever wondered which one is better for your overall health? Here are 5 differences to help understand each drink better.

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1. Caffeine

Coffee: It tends to have a more intense kick in caffeine. Normally 95 mg per cup is the ideal amount to drink in order to feel energized.

Tea: Depending on the type, its energy boost is more gradual and less intense. It contains L-theanine which is an amino acid that makes you more relaxed and focused. The combination of caffeine + L-theanine in tea has actually been shown to increase attention more than caffeine alone.

2. Mood And Focus

Coffee: Gives a very quick burst of alertness, but it does get you drained much faster afterward.

Tea: Gives steady level of caffeine. Studies have shown that tea drinkers can say they experience less stress and better sleep when drinking herbal or green tea.

3. Hydration

Coffee: Both coffee and tea contribute almost the same amount to your daily hydration.

Tea: But tea has less caffeine and is more hydrating overall.

4. Digestive Health

Coffee: Many individuals say that coffee makes their stomach be bothered or worsens acid reflux.

Tea: Tea has a soothing effect on digestion and reduces bloating. Green tea gives off good gut health because of its natural polyphenols. Polyphenols feed good bacteria in the digestive system.

5. Long-Term Benefits

Coffee: Coffee has been linked with reduced risks of Parkinson's, type 2 diabetes, and liver disease in various studies.

Tea: Tea is rich in antioxidants. It can decrease your chances of getting heart disease, certain cancers, and dementia. A large study found that tea drinkers may live longer and have more healthy hearts than non-tea drinkers.