Coffee and tea are two of the world’s most widely consumed beverages, both providing health benefits. But which beverage should you pick? Coffee may get all of the press for its bold flavors and energetic boost, but tea has gained ground as a healthy drink that offers unique advantages. Both beverages contain something beneficial for health; ultimately it comes down to personal preferences and tolerance of caffeine levels.

Coffee and tea both contain beneficial phytochemicals known as antioxidants that can help the body combat free radicals – the unstable atoms responsible for cell damage that contribute to diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer. Your body naturally produces these antioxidants to help defend itself, but you can also gain them through food.

Coffee and tea both contain phytochemicals which offer protection from neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, their anti-inflammatory properties may lower your risk for these disorders and drinking two to three cups daily of either black or green tea has been linked with reduced depression risk.

Though both coffee and tea contain antioxidants, there are distinct differences between the drinks as well. Coffee contains more caffeine than tea, meaning those sensitive to it could experience jitters or an upset stomach if too much caffeine is consumed. Furthermore, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid coffee due to an increased risk of miscarriage.

Tea, on the other hand, contains far less caffeine than coffee does; an average cup of black or green tea only contains half as much as its coffee equivalent. Furthermore, tea contains L-theanine – an amino acid compound which acts as a natural stress reliever while improving brain function – which has shown to significantly lower physiological reactions to uncomfortable situations, such as public speaking. According to research done among regular tea drinkers there has been evidence showing decreased physiological reactions compared with those who don’t enjoy daily tea sessions.

Tea is an excellent source of iron and should help combat anemia; however, too much tannins in tea may inhibit absorption into your system and inhibit proper iron absorption by your body. To stay on the safe side, opt for herbal varieties of tea over prepackaged bags when choosing your beverages.