“Which is better, coffee or tea?” This is a common question that may not necessarily have a simple, straightforward answer. Before you can decide which one is better for you, you should take a look at some of the pros and cons of each.

Coffee (8 oz cup has 85 mg caffeine):

Positive:
-Contains antioxidants
-May lower risk of liver cancer, colon cancer, Parkinson’s disease, type II diabetes, and gout
-Contains 0.6g of protein in 2 black cups
-Drinking coffee over a long period of time may reduce the risk of dying from heart disease
-Protects the liver, especially against cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Negative:
-Can stain teeth
-Over 1,000 chemicals have been found in roasted coffee with 19 being known carcinogens
-There have been studies that show that properties found in coffee can raise cholesterol

Tea (8oz cup has 40 mg caffeine):

Positive:
-Contains antioxidants
-Tea provides as many disease-fighting flavonoids as fruit or vegetables
-May reduce cholesterol levels, help prevent blood clotting, lower risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and even fight inflammation, cancer, and seasonal allergies
-Green tea has thermogenic properties and promotes fat oxidation beyond that explained by its caffeine content
-White tea has been found to have a higher concentration of antioxidants in it, which may actually be more effective at preventing some diseases than green tea
-People who drink black tea 4 times a day for 6 weeks were found to have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol

Negative:
-Drinking tea too hot increases the risk of Esophageal cancer
-Tea may contain pesticides even if it’s labeled organic
-Contains large amount of Tanin (reduces absorbtion of iron in the body which can lead to Anemia)

Both drinks contain caffeine which has several perks all to itself. Caffeine stimulates the brain and nervous system. Coffee has even been shown to improve short term recall and reaction times.

Drinking coffee or tea are nearly calorie free on their own, but by adding in cream, sugar, or flavoring, you may be adding extra unwanted calories and sugar. Science cannot prove that one of these is superior over the other, so choose the one you like best! Still can’t decide? One expert recommends taking advantage of the antioxidants in each by having a cup of coffee in the morning, and tea in the afternoon. I think it goes without saying, but moderation is key. Limit yourself to 4 8 oz cups per day to avoid taking in too much caffeine.

Bottom’s Up!

Kinsey

Resources:

http://www.cbn.com/health/nutrition/reinke_coffeetea.aspx

http://visual.ly/health-benefits-coffee-vs-tea

http://www.prevention.com/which-healthier-coffee-vs-tea