Coffee and tea are among the most widely consumed beverages among adults worldwide. Coffee consumption is widespread and continues to rise, with the highest per capita consumption in Scandinavian countries in 2013. Black or green tea is globally the most commonly consumed beverage after water, with high per capita consumption observed in Turkey, Iran, and the United Kingdom. There is a long-standing interest in the health effects of coffee and tea.

One study suggests that, for men, compared to exclusive coffee drinkers, those drinking 30–50% tea showed the lowest mortality; any tea drinking seemed better than only coffee. For women, those who drank exclusively coffee or up to 40% tea had the lowest mortality, but those drinking higher percentages of tea were at increased mortality risk. However, it’s important to note that these studies were purely observational, and we can’t say for certain that these drinks lead to any huge health concerns.

Caffeine in Coffee

Caffeine is able to directly enhance alertness and concentration while combating fatigue. It can also improve athletic performance, most likely related to an increase in adrenal hormone levels and a metabolic energy boost. It may even elevate mood. Regular coffee provides a bigger caffeine punch per ounce compared to tea. That’s why you may reach for coffee when you need a big boost of energy. Generally, an 8-ounce cup of regular coffee contains about 80 to 100 milligrams of caffeine, and some people drink up to 3-4 cups a day, leading to 400mg of caffeine every day. With these significant amounts of caffeine, coffee makes it easier to breathe by relaxing your airways, improving memory, and constricting the blood vessels in your brain, which helps alleviate headaches and migraines!

Coffee drinking is associated with a bunch of health benefits, including lower risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s, depression, and cognitive decline. It has been strongly linked to preventing the development of cirrhosis of the liver (scarring), which can progress into liver disease. Moderate coffee consumption is also linked to living a longer and healthier life.

While coffee offers many potential health benefits, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects, especially for older adults or anyone with specific health concerns. Unfiltered coffee, such as French press or boiled coffee, may slightly raise cholesterol levels, and a big intake of caffeine for someone who isn’t used to drinking a lot of coffee can temporarily increase blood pressure. It may affect your sleep and anxiety, making you jittery or more anxious than usual.

The Life of Tea

A nice afternoon tea is a lovely pick-me-up after potential coffee has faded. The most famous teas, black and green, also contain caffeine and have the same side effects as they do in coffee. However, tea is also rich in flavonoids, such as catechins and epicatechins, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Green tea generally has higher flavonoid content than black tea, potentially offering substantial heart and metabolic benefits. Moderate tea consumption can contribute to cardiovascular health while still providing a lower-caffeine option compared to coffee, as well as improved vascular circulation, cognitive support like reducing dementia risk, and healthy blood pressure.

However, It’s not just the beverage itself that matters; it’s what you add, too. Sugar, syrups, and creamers can significantly increase calorie intake, potentially impacting your heart and metabolic health. When thinking back on this tea or coffee debate, consider what else you take in throughout your day. 

Neither tea nor coffee is universally “better” than the other. Both are healthy choices loaded with beneficial antioxidants and linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases. The right choice depends on your body, your caffeine tolerance, and how you prepare your drink. We can’t say for sure that coffee or tea explicitly leads to better health outcomes, but some people may experience different health benefits depending on what they drink.

Do you prefer tea or coffee? Let us know in the comments!