Healthy Benefit Of Tea Than Coffee

The health benefits of coffee

Cimperman said drinking tea has been linked to lower risks of cancer and heart disease, improved weight loss, and a stronger immune system. Meanwhile, studies point to coffee as a potential way to head off not just Parkinson’s but type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and heart problems, Cimperman says.

Over the years, coffee has garnered some mixed reviews. It seems like every time you turn around, a new study hits the news claiming your cup of joe will either cure or cause a health condition. Overall, however, most studies on coffee and health have yielded positive results.

First, coffee contains high doses of antioxidants—the compounds that help clean your cells of damaging free radicals, reduce inflammation, and slow the aging process. But coffee’s benefits don’t stop there. A large study from 2013 found that when people increased their coffee consumption by more than one cup per day over a four-year period, they had an 11% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. And according to the Parkinson’s Foundation, there’s a clear connection between coffee drinking and a reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease. Coffee consumption has also been linked to the prevention of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, liver disease, and colon cancer.

The health benefits of tea

Brewed beverages for the win! Like coffee, tea is rich in antioxidants. These flavor compounds may be responsible for some of tea’s beneficial effects on health. The National Cancer Institute reports that antioxidants in tea have been shown to slow the growth of cancerous tumors. Plus, one study of over 100,000 adults revealed that people who drank tea three or more times in a week experienced reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and death by any cause. Some research even suggests that the polyphenols in tea could boost good bacteria in the gut. And, intriguingly, a 2019 study found that regular tea drinkers had slightly higher levels of good cholesterol and lower body mass index (BMI).

The health risks of coffee

We’ve all been there: One venti latte too many and suddenly we’re jittery and running to the bathroom. Despite coffee’s many benefits, it’s possible to get too much of a good thing. Generally, this comes down to coffee’s caffeine content, which varies, but typically averages around 100 milligrams per eight ounces.

A number of health conditions can be aggravated by caffeine, from acid reflux to overactive bladder to irritable bowel syndrome. Excess caffeine can even mess with your mental health! An older study from 2005 found that caffeine exacerbated anxiety and sleep disorders. Pregnant women should also be careful about coffee consumption, as it’s recommended to consume less than 200 milligrams of caffeine during pregnancy. If you’re living with any of these conditions (but can’t live without coffee’s rich taste and aromatic smell), try switching to decaf.

It’s worth noting, too, that coffee’s flavor compounds have a dark side—literally. Tannins stick to the teeth, causing staining. Mitigate these effects by swishing with water or brushing your teeth after your morning cup.

The health risks of too much tea

While tea is a universal beverage the world over (second only to water in global consumption), chugging Earl Grey all day isn’t always advisable. Although black tea has only about half the caffeine of coffee at an average of around 50 milligrams per 8 ounces, this can add up over time. Just like coffee, too much caffeine from tea may cause jitteriness and irritations to some health conditions. And like coffee, tea’s tannins can also discolor your teeth.

The bottom line

Clearly, both coffee and tea come with some impressive health benefits–and, when drunk in moderation, very few drawbacks. So is one technically healthier than the other? Not necessarily. But if caffeine is a concern for you, stick to decaf coffee or make the switch to a lower-caff tea.

​Is Tea Healthier than Coffee?

from traditional white, green to oolong and black, can differ greatly in taste although they are brewed from the leaves of the same type of plant (Camellia Sinensis). It is where the leaves are harvested and how they are grown and processed that give each its distinct flavour.

Some have the perception that tea is healthier than coffee, while others believe the other way around.

“It is not exactly accurate to say that tea is healthier than coffee,” shares Javier Won, a Dietitian from Sengkang Community Hospital (SKCH). SKCH is managed by SingHealth Community Hospitals (SCH), a member of the SingHealth group.

“When compared to coffee and energy drinks, tea contains a lesser amount of caffeine. However, apart from the difference in caffeine content, both beverages do not have many calories and how good or bad they are depends on additional ingredients added to the beverage.”

“Thus, tea (like coffee) should be drunk in moderation as excessive caffeine consumption can cause sleeplessness, restlessness, an elevated heart rate or irritation to the digestive tract,” he adds.

“Also found in tea are tannins (a compound found in bark, leaves and fruit), which bind with the iron present in our food, leaving less iron available for absorption by the digestive tract. Therefore, adults are generally recommended to limit their tea intake to no more than 3 cups per day,” explains Javier.

Alternatively, you can enjoy herbal teas, which contain lesser or no caffeine. These are brewed from the roots, leaves, flowers and other components from a range of plants such as chamomile, mint and chrysanthemum.

Rich in antioxidants

Tea is rich in polyphenols (also known as antioxidants) such as flavonols, theaflavins and catechins.

These polyphenols not only contribute to the distinct flavour and aroma of tea but may also have health-promoting properties such as lowering cholesterol and sugar levels and reducing blood pressure. However, more research and human studies are needed to show conclusive health benefits.

How you drink your tea determines how healthy it is

Plain tea by itself does not contain any calories.

However, be mindful of the additional ingredients that go into your tea such as milk, sugar or tapioca pearls (in the case of bubble tea), which increases your beverage’s calorie content considerably and can cause weight gain.

Here are the calories and amount of sugar found in popular tea drinks:

​Drink	Teh O Kosong (Tea with no milk, no sugar)	​Teh C Kosong (Tea with evaporated milk, no sugar)	​Teh C (Tea with evaporated milk and sugar)	​Teh (Tea with condense milk and sugar)	​ Bubble Tea
​Calories (kcal)	​0	​30	​90	​124	​320
​Sugar (g)	​0	​1-2	​18	​25	​56

Is tea healthier than coffee? Dietitian Javier Won from Sengkang Community Hospital (SKCH), which is managed by SingHealth Community Hospitals (SCH), answers and shares the health benefits of tea.

from traditional white, green to oolong and black, can differ greatly in taste although they are brewed from the leaves of the same type of plant (Camellia Sinensis). It is where the leaves are harvested and how they are grown and processed that give each its distinct flavour.

Some have the perception that tea is healthier than coffee, while others believe the other way around.

“It is not exactly accurate to say that tea is healthier than coffee,” shares Javier Won, a Dietitian from Sengkang Community Hospital (SKCH). SKCH is managed by SingHealth Community Hospitals (SCH), a member of the SingHealth group.

“When compared to coffee and energy drinks, tea contains a lesser amount of caffeine. However, apart from the difference in caffeine content, both beverages do not have many calories and how good or bad they are depends on additional ingredients added to the beverage.”

“Thus, tea (like coffee) should be drunk in moderation as excessive caffeine consumption can cause sleeplessness, restlessness, an elevated heart rate or irritation to the digestive tract,” he adds.

“Also found in tea are tannins (a compound found in bark, leaves and fruit), which bind with the iron present in our food, leaving less iron available for absorption by the digestive tract. Therefore, adults are generally recommended to limit their tea intake to no more than 3 cups per day,” explains Javier

Alternatively, you can enjoy herbal teas, which contain lesser or no caffeine. These are brewed from the roots, leaves, flowers and other components from a range of plants such as chamomile, mint and chrysanthemum.

Rich in antioxidants

Tea is rich in polyphenols (also known as antioxidants) such as flavonols, theaflavins and catechins.

These polyphenols not only contribute to the distinct flavour and aroma of tea but may also have health-promoting properties such as lowering cholesterol and sugar levels and reducing blood pressure. However, more research and human studies are needed to show conclusive health benefits.

How you drink your tea determines how healthy it is

Plain tea by itself does not contain any calories.

However, be mindful of the additional ingredients that go into your tea such as milk, sugar or tapioca pearls (in the case of bubble tea), which increases your beverage’s calorie content considerably and can cause weight gain.

Here are the calories and amount of sugar found in popular tea drinks:

​Drink	Teh O Kosong (Tea with no milk, no sugar)	​Teh C Kosong (Tea with evaporated milk, no sugar)	​Teh C (Tea with evaporated milk and sugar)	​Teh (Tea with condense milk and sugar)	​ Bubble Tea
​Calories (kcal)	​0	​30	​90	​124	​320
​Sugar (g)	​0	​1-2	​18	​25	​56

What goes perfectly with tea during mid-autumn festival? Mooncakes, of course!