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Is Tea More Healthy Than Coffee?
Coffee and tea are two of the world’s most beloved beverages, each boasting their own set of health benefits and appeal to different audiences. Coffee often takes center stage thanks to its bold flavors and energetic rush; tea provides unique compounds which support calm focus. But which beverage is actually healthier between them? Although no definitive answers exist yet, tea does appear to offer significant health advantages over its rival.
Both coffee and tea contain caffeine, but tea contains significantly less of it than its coffee counterpart – in fact, one 5oz cup of tea has approximately half as much caffeine than an equal sized coffee cup!
Tea is also an excellent source of antioxidants, compounds that protect cells against free radical damage in the body and are believed to play an essential role in helping prevent diseases and conditions like heart disease, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Studies have also indicated that people who drink green tea on a regular basis tend to be healthier than those who don’t regularly partake.
Tea may be attractive due to its abundance of polyphenols, a type of plant chemical called flavonoids. Studies suggest these flavonoids help lower risks associated with various diseases including heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Common varieties include black, oolong and green tea varieties; matcha is becoming an increasingly popular variation.
Tea’s health benefits also extend to its ability to promote iron absorption within the body, something which is especially essential since low levels of iron can cause fatigue, weakness and anemia. Tea can help treat or prevent anemia by encouraging iron absorption into the bloodstream – providing an energy boost in turn!
Too much caffeine can result in side effects like jitters, sleeplessness, restlessness and an elevated heart rate; however, most adults can safely consume about 400 milligrams a day; pregnant women should restrict their caffeine consumption to 200 mg.
Though tea may be considered a healthier alternative to coffee, the choice ultimately rests with you and your lifestyle. If you enjoy the taste and stimulant effects of coffee, there’s no reason to switch. On the other hand, those sensitive to caffeine or looking for something with more gentle stimulant properties might find warmth-inducing benefits in a cup of hot tea – be sure to create deliciously flavorful fresh-brewed versions whenever possible – it makes all the difference!