Coffee has long been consumed as one of the world’s favorite beverages. Packed with caffeine and antioxidants that offer health benefits when consumed moderately, coffee also contains tea which also provides essential nutrients that offer benefits if taken in moderation. Both options can become unhealthy when additional sugary syrups and sweeteners such as high-fat milks are added which will add calories that could lead to weight gain over time.

Coffee and tea both contain antioxidant polyphenols, which have been linked to reduced risks of cancer, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, gallstones, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease and liver disease. Chlorogenic acid and l-theanine are among the most abundant polyphenols present in coffee, both boasting antioxidant properties as well as helping increase good bacteria in your gut, according to registered dietitian Kerry Hackworth MS, RD. Tea is packed with antioxidants like apigenin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, catechins and theaflavins, which have anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress-protection benefits and can protect against it. Tea has also been proven to promote weight management, increase bone density and decrease Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s risk.

Coffee contains twice the caffeine of tea, providing a stronger energy boost. But tea may be better suited for people having trouble sleeping as its amino acid l-theanine helps your body metabolize caffeine more slowly while simultaneously relaxing you and keeping you focused.

Coffee and tea can make great additions to any diet, but it’s important to keep in mind that their added sugars, high-fat milks and creams could potentially make them harmful if consumed excessively. Therefore, for optimal health, plain coffee or tea without these ingredients would be preferable or herbal drinks such as rooibos, matcha or green tea are better choices – regardless of which beverage is chosen, consult with a Banner healthcare provider about how your drink might impact overall wellness.