Drinking coffee or tea may be the way you start your morning, but is one healthier for you than the other?
Benefits of Coffee and Tea
When balanced with a healthy diet and lifestyle, both of these beverages have potential health benefits.
Nicole Andrews, a registered dietitian in Washington, says, “Coffee and tea are among the world’s most beloved beverages, enjoyed for their rich flavors, stimulating effects, and the comfort they provide. In addition to their taste and aroma, research has shown that coffee and tea offer a range of health benefits and may even help reduce the risk of cancer.”
Antioxidants in Coffee and Tea
Both coffee and tea are rich sources of antioxidants, which are compounds that protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Andrews explains that “free radicals can damage DNA and other cell components, ultimately leading to cancer development,” and that the antioxidants found in coffee and tea, such as polyphenols and catechins, neutralize these free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of cellular damage.
Nutritional Additions in Coffee and Tea
However, you should consider what you add to your drink.
Andrews warns that these additions can turn healthy beverages into unhealthy choices due to increased daily calorie intake.
Dan Gallagher, a registered dietitian in Texas, states that like most foods, coffee and tea can become unhealthy depending on what is added to them, reiterating that both can become unhealthy when sugar is added.
Added Sugar and Milk
Adding syrup or sugar to coffee and tea can increase the calorie content of the beverage. Consuming added sugar in excess can lead to weight gain over time.
Additionally, using cream or milk in excess can contribute to increased calorie intake, especially if high-fat dairy products are used.
General Recommendations
While the amount of coffee and tea one should consume can vary based on individual preferences and caffeine tolerance, there are general recommendations that can be followed.
Moderation: It is generally recommended that adults do not consume more than 400 mg (about four cups of brewed coffee) of caffeine per day. This limit takes into account caffeine from all sources, including coffee, tea, and other beverages and foods.
Individual Tolerance: Some individuals are more sensitive to caffeine than others. If you are sensitive to caffeine or have certain health conditions, you may need to limit your coffee intake even further.
Cup Size: A standard cup of coffee is typically considered to be 8 ounces (240 ml). However, many coffee shops offer larger sizes, so it’s important to be aware of the actual size you are consuming.
Caffeine Content
Generally, tea contains less caffeine than coffee. A cup of tea (240 ml) contains about 20-45 mg of caffeine, depending on the type and brewing method.
Green Tea: Green tea tends to have lower caffeine content than black tea. If you want to reduce your caffeine intake, opt for green tea.
Herbal Tea: Herbal teas, such as chamomile, peppermint, and hibiscus, naturally contain no caffeine and can be consumed more liberally throughout the day.
Using Coffee and Tea Healthily
When consuming coffee or tea in their pure forms or with a little almond or oat milk, the benefits of these beverages can be numerous.
It’s easy to add different sweeteners or creamers to coffee and tea, but be sure not to add too much, as it can ultimately harm your health.
Benefits
Coffee
One of the reasons coffee can be good for you is that it helps increase mental alertness.
Andrews says, “The caffeine in coffee can improve mental alertness and concentration, making it an effective stimulant.”
Additionally, caffeinated coffee may help improve mood and mental alertness.
As Andrews explained, the caffeine in coffee can enhance physical performance by increasing adrenaline levels, making it a popular choice among athletes.
Furthermore, “Coffee is rich in antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of various diseases, including cancer,” according to Andrews.
Benefits of Tea
The antioxidant content in tea is one of the main reasons it can be good for you.
Andrews states, “Tea is rich in antioxidants such as catechins, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, thus lowering the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease.”
Tea may also be good for your heart health.
Additionally, herbal teas like peppermint and ginger can aid in digestive health and relieve digestive disorders, according to Andrews.
Moderation and General Recommendations
Although tea is often considered a healthy drinking choice, it is still advisable to consume it in moderation and be cautious with caffeine intake if you are sensitive to it or have specific dietary restrictions.
If you want to reduce your caffeine consumption, look for drinking green tea instead of black tea.
Ultimately, Andrews says that enhancing the health benefits of coffee or tea can be simple through some thoughtful choices.
She recommends cutting down or minimizing the addition of sugar and syrups, as excess sugar can contribute to weight gain and nullify the health benefits of these beverages.
Instead, use less added sugar or choose calorie-free sweeteners if you want to sweeten these drinks.
You should also consider cup size when trying to reduce calories at the café or when preparing your morning cup of coffee at home.
Finally, remember what you put in your cup. Care for your health by making small, simple adjustments to your coffee and tea without having to give up these beverages.
Andrews recommends focusing on the quality of your coffee or tea by choosing high-quality coffee beans or tea leaves and selecting preparation methods that preserve their natural flavors.
She adds, “By making these small adjustments, you can enjoy coffee or tea while prioritizing your health.”
For more articles on lifestyle, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.
Original source of the article: Coffee vs. tea: Which drink is ‘better’ for you?
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