First thing in the morning, both tea and coffee can provide health advantages; however, what you add to either could alter its beneficial properties. For instance, adding milk or sugar could increase daily calorie consumption and lead to weight gain according to registered dietitians.

Both tea and coffee contain polyphenols – plant compounds which may help lower the risk of Type-2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer and other serious medical conditions – but their health benefits vary depending on individual preference, caffeine tolerance levels and other considerations.

Coffee, the iconic wake-up call, is made from roasted and ground coffee beans. Coffee’s high caffeine content offers an energizing boost that may improve cognitive function while research indicates it could help reduce oxidative stress as well as neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, according to registered dietitian Maddie Pasquariello.

Tea, made by steeping leaves in water, contains polyphenols. Studies indicate that drinking both green and black tea may help protect against stroke, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, digestive health issues and improve cardiovascular wellness. Furthermore, its polyphenol content could even lower risk of depression while improving mental clarity.

Tea, in comparison with coffee, contains lower levels of caffeine while offering greater levels of L-theanine, an amino acid with been proven to improve alertness, reduce anxiety, enhance learning and memory without the same high energy fluctuations experienced when drinking high levels of caffeine.

Tea has also been associated with enhanced mood, reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality. Furthermore, tea may help reduce blood pressure as well as decrease cancer risks such as those that affect lungs or ovaries.

Coffee or tea may be best depending on your personal tastes, tolerance for caffeine and health-related considerations such as acid sensitivity or digestive issues. Both options can be healthy choices if sugar and milk are avoided; but only one may provide optimal health benefits – for help in making this decision, consult a health care provider.