4 Reasons Why Tea is Better Than Coffee / If You're Addicted to Coffee, You Should Know These

According to SAEDNEWS, coffee and tea are among the most popular beverages globally, and there is a good reason for this popularity. Studies have shown that people who regularly drink coffee or tea tend to live longer and have fewer health problems compared to those who don't consume these beverages.

Although coffee, with its strong flavor and high energy boost, often takes center stage around the world, tea, which contains special compounds for enhancing focus and relaxation, is establishing itself as a better option.

Less Caffeine, Fewer Side Effects

One of the main reasons for replacing coffee with tea is its lower caffeine content. While caffeine can increase focus and boost alertness, high consumption can lead to side effects like restlessness, insomnia, or even palpitations in some people. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that daily caffeine intake should not exceed 400 milligrams, though caffeine sensitivity can vary based on factors like age, gender, genetics, and medication use.

Alexis Supan, a nutrition expert at the Cleveland Clinic, says, "The side effects of caffeine are really the main reason you might want to distance yourself from coffee."

In this regard, tea shows its superiority. A regular cup of tea contains between 20 to 60 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the type, while a cup of coffee typically contains between 80 to 100 milligrams of caffeine.

Rich Source of Antioxidants

Both coffee and tea are rich in bioactive compounds (plant chemicals that help maintain the body's health); however, tea stands out due to its diverse range of antioxidants. These compounds, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and catechins, are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer.

For example, green tea is rich in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant that helps maintain cell health and may slow the aging process. Black tea contains theaflavins, which support cardiovascular health.

Tea is Like Consuming Vegetables

Emma Beckett, a nutrition researcher at Newcastle University in Australia, says, "When we eat fruits and vegetables, we receive beneficial bioactive compounds that are good for our health. When we brew a cup of tea, hot water combined with crushed leaves is an efficient way to extract these compounds and quickly deliver them to the body."

This means your daily beverage can be a powerful source of healthy compounds. Beckett adds, "If you don't like eating vegetables, tea can be a good source of bioactive compounds, similar to fruits and vegetables."

Research shows that many of tea's health benefits (from reducing the risk of chronic diseases to increasing longevity) are due to these bioactive compounds. Beckett says, "It makes perfect sense that people who drink more tea live longer and are healthier."

Tea and "Calmness"

One of the major differences between coffee and tea is the presence of a molecule called L-theanine in tea. This amino acid, found in tea leaves, can create a sense of alertness without causing anxiety or loss of calm. Beckett says, "Tea, because of the combination of caffeine and L-theanine, offers more benefits compared to coffee."

For people sensitive to caffeine, the calming effect of L-theanine can reduce the restlessness caused by coffee. Evangeline Manzioris, a nutrition expert at the University of South Australia, says, "L-theanine reduces anxiety and makes you feel good."

L-theanine also has significant effects on brain health. Research has shown that this compound improves cognitive function, reduces stress, and may even enhance sleep quality.

Ultimately, choosing between coffee and tea depends on your taste and lifestyle. Manzioris says, "Drink whichever you like. If you like both, enjoy both, as you will get different benefits from each. It all depends on your dietary pattern."

However, if you're looking for a milder caffeine source, a boost in antioxidants, and a calming beverage, tea might be the healthier choice.