Coffee or tea: which has more benefit?

There are two types of people…

Mornings – they can be tough. Throughout the nation people roll over and stumble out of bed, messy hair and tired eyes. They drag their feet as they make their way into the kitchen, knowing there is only one thing that can help them: caffeine. For some it is time to turn on the coffee pot, the aroma of the delicious brew already stirring their sleepy brains. Others place the shiny, water-filled kettle on the stove top, waiting to hear its signature whistle.

When it comes down to it, there are two types of people: coffee-drinkers and tea-drinkers. Those who prefer coffee can often be found in quaint city cafés, enjoying a cup of their favorite brew and listening to the buzz of people chatting excitedly. Often times these crowded cafés are the perfect place to meet with friends or people watch. The coffee drinker is usually more of a social person. On the other hand, those who enjoy a fresh cup of tea can usually be found in more quiet places. One might find a tea drinker curled up in a nest of blankets, a book in one hand and a cup of their favorite tea in the other. With tea tends to come peace and relaxation. The tea drinker might enjoy getting away from all of the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

It’s an age-old debate between these two and everyone has their preference. Each side of this beverage civil war has its own set of perks. Here are a few:

Coffee

• While both drinks contain caffeine, coffee is the clear winner in total caffeine content. A cup of coffee contains an average of about 100-120 mg of caffeine while tea can range from 0 mg to about 60 or 70 mg, depending on the type of tea you drink.
• Coffee can be prepared in so many different ways! The possibilities are almost endless. From a plain and simple black coffee to a freezing Frappuccino, there is rumored to be something for everyone.
• Coffee is also great for your heart! A study done at the end of last year linked coffee drinking to a reduced risk of heart failure, stroke, and coronary heart disease.
• If you want a whiter smile, coffee is the way to go. Due to the amount of tannin in tea, it is significantly more likely to stain your enamel.

Tea

• One of the perks of drinking tea is the numerous health benefits. Among other things, herbal teas can reduce stress and even work as a natural cold remedy.
• Due to its lower caffeine content, tea-drinkers have an easier time falling – and staying – asleep. Though there may be less caffeine, studies have shown that tea gives the drinker the same amount of alertness as coffee without as many negative side effects.
• Tea is great for those who struggle with drinking coffee due to sensitive stomachs, or a related issue, because it is less acidic.
• While coffee can be prepared in more creative ways than tea, when it comes down to the details – coffee is coffee. There is no one type of tea. Every tea is going to have a different flavor depending on the ingredients. Herbal teas are usually lighter in taste and color while black teas are rich and dark. It’s okay if you try a tea and don’t like it because there are a plethora of other types and flavors to enjoy!

So, whether you choose to drink the ever-popular bean-water or dignified leaf-water, it all comes down to what is right for you. I encourage you to branch out and explore the opposite of your usual drink – maybe you’ll even like it. So, go get your caffeine fix and enjoy your day!

Kylie Kisamore is a contributor to The Daily Runner.