Tea or Coffee in the Morning?

Coffee and tea are the most common drinks in the world. The debate of the health benefits between the two is ever evolving. It’s hard to distinguish which drink may be best to start your day with all the cluttered information. Here’s the key differences that can help you decide which one to sip on the next time you need a boost of energy.

Caffeine

Coffee and tea both contain the same stimulant: caffeine. But they differ in the way that they’re metabolized in our body. On average, a cup of coffee contains 80 to 100mg of caffeine. Tea on the other hand has 30 to 50mg per cup. This can vary across types of teas and brewing methods. Caffeine affects everyone differently and personal tolerance also plays a role. An excess of caffeine can lead to negative side effects such as insomnia, anxiety or elevated heart rate. It’s recommended to not consume more than four or five cups of coffee a day.

Energy

Tea differs from coffee in that it contains the chemical, L-theanine. This chemical metabolizes caffeine over a longer period of time which can lead to sustained energy. Coffee can provide a quicker buzz, but tea enhances cognitive performance and attention.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are chemical compounds that may reduce the risk of health conditions such as cancer or diabetes. Both coffee and tea contain antioxidants, but coffee has more. Some common antioxidants found in coffee are chlorogenic, ferulic, caffeic and n-coumaric acids. The major antioxidant in tea is catechin which has anti-inflammatory properties. These antioxidants can help prevent degenerative diseases such as heart disease or stroke. It’s important to note that although coffee contains more antioxidants, exceeding recommended daily caffeine amounts can lead to health risks like insomnia and nausea.

Sources: Insider