By Bed Threads Wellness 13.07.2019

So, What's Actually Better For You – Coffee or Tea?

We spill the tea... and the beans.

It often seems the world can be split into two types of people: coffee and tea drinkers.

Those who rely on their morning cup of joe for a pick-me-up swear by the superpowers of their espressos or double-shot lattes, while tea drinkers firmly believe their cuppas are the healthy way to go. The truth, however, is not as straightforward, with both coffee and tea serving up their own set of pros and cons.

Let's dive in.

Spilling the tea on tea

The pros

Before we dive in, it's important to clarify exactly what we mean when we say 'tea' here. We are talking about the drink made from the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), such as black, green, and white tea (among others), and not herbal tisanes, which are made from botanicals, fruits, and herbs (think chamomile, rooibos, and peppermint).

Now, it’s no secret that drinking tea can have a calming effect on your body, not to mention that it helps you stay hydrated and is a good source of antioxidants.

“Antioxidants are compounds that latch on to free radicals in the body to reduce oxidative stress,” says accredited practising dietitian Nicole Dynan, founder of The Gut Health Dietitian and The Good Nutrition Co.

“And since stress is associated with inflammation and chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer, it has been suggested that the antioxidants in tea can act as anti-carcinogens with anti-inflammatory properties.”

Science has also found a relationship between green tea consumption and improved endothelial function – the thin membrane that lines the inside of the heart and blood vessels.

The cons

Whether it's a classic English breakfast, a bright oolong or an earthy matcha, there’s something truly comforting about the act of drinking tea; however, it’s important to stay well-informed on the realities of the beverage.

“All teas contain compounds called flavonoids, in particular tannin,” says Dynan.

“Tannins are responsible for the bitter taste of tea and are known for having anti-nutrient (a compound that prevents absorption) properties. In particular, tannins can bind to iron and reduce our body’s intake. What’s more, similar to coffee, tea still contains caffeine, which in high amounts can lead to irritability, sleeplessness, headaches, anxiety and gastro-intestinal upset.”

And then of course, there’s sugar. “Drinking tea can also become problematic if you take your tea with sugar,” explains Dynan.

“The World Health Organization recommends no more than six added teaspoons of sugar a day; however, most people are exceeding this amount.”

Spilling the beans on coffee

The pros

When it comes to the health benefits of the beloved brew, there seems to be a divide in public opinion. But what do the experts have to say about it?

A meta-analysis conducted by the British Medical Journal looked at the association between coffee and health, concluding for the most part that due to its high antioxidant content, coffee may reduce mortality rates (three to four cups per day showing the strongest associated reduction), as well as help improve cardiovascular function, decrease the risk of cancer (prostate, endometrial, melanoma and liver), improve mood, and reduce the risk of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s.

The cons

Like tea, coffee is also known to reduce the body's ability to absorb iron. Additionally, some people are genetically predisposed not to respond well to coffee's higher caffeine content, as it affects whether they metabolize caffeine fast or slow (e.g. slow metabolizers may find their morning cuppa keeps them awake at night).

Moreover, the consumption of coffee is ubiquitous in today's society, but it’s important to remember that just because something is widely accepted doesn’t mean it’s always healthy for us.

“There must be a reason why people will line up every morning at their local cafe, be on a first-name basis with their barista and willingly hand over $4 give or take for a coffee ($1460 per year),” says Dynan.

“This is because coffee, and more particularly caffeine, is indeed addictive.”

You can experience caffeine withdrawal, even if you drink one small cup of coffee per day. It is, of course, worse the more that you drink. In fact, people who drink large amounts (more than 400 mg of caffeine or the equivalent of about 5 cups a day) are more likely to experience symptoms such as headache, heart palpitations, irritability and depression.

The bottom line

With all things considered, according to Dynan, it comes down to personal choice and what makes you feel good.

“What we drink should be enjoyable and not a crutch for an underlying issue,” advises Dynan.

“For example, if you drink coffee because you like the taste and it perks you up, then that is great; however, if you drink it to mask the effects of an all-nighter, then you may be doing more harm than good.”

Perhaps what’s most important is paying attention to your own body regarding how each of these drink choices affects you personally.

“As someone who likes both tea and coffee, but can be sensitive to caffeine, I tend to limit my intake to one coffee a day (always in the morning or I won’t be able to sleep) and drink herbal tea that doesn’t contain caffeine,” explains Dynan.

“But everybody is different and has a different tolerance, so take cues from your own body and let that lead the way."

This article is intended as general information only and not a substitute for individualised health advice. If you have any concerns about your health or coffee or tea consumption, your first port of call should be your GP, who will be able to advise you on the correct treatment plan.