After talking to a friend of mine about her caffeine addiction, it got me thinking… what’s better for you: coffee or tea? Clearly not wanting to come out the loser in this healthy discussion, I had to conduct my own research (my friend being a nurse and educated in the subject). Before hunting for answers on Google, I strongly believed tea to be the clear winner. It’s basically water, right? The truth is, there is no well-defined winner in this debate. Below is my cheat sheet comparing the two.
Tea Pro:
- Rich in antioxidants, which fight inflammation and have been proven to help prevent blood vessels from hardening.
- Lower risk of stroke and heart disease
- Boost brain health (yay!)
- Lower risk of age-related declines in memory
- Associated with anti-aging benefits
Tea Con:
- It will stain your teeth (but so does coffee!)
- Increase your iron levels due to tanins
Coffee Pro:
- Rich source of antioxidants that has been linked to protect against type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
- Caffeine levels help constrict blood vessels in the brain and reduce migraines (helpful for those stubborn hangovers)
Coffee Con:
- Unfiltered coffee has been shown to raise cholesterol
- Coffee is more acidic than tea
- Caffeine levels are higher which may over stimulate the senses
Remember, there are methods to ensure both your cup of tea or mug of coffee remains healthy. Steer clear of “adds”! Adding in sugars, syrups, whipped cream and fatty milks won’t help my list of pros or your daily calorie count. Try substituting with agave or other natural sweeteners. Personally, I melt a spoonful of honey to my tea. And if my throat is feeling sore, adding fresh lemon juice does the trick.
Who wins? In my book, tea wins. But I’m biased. Stick with what you love and be sure to hydrate with H2O, the ultimate health-boosting beverage.
