Tea or coffee? We all have our preference. Despite multiple studies having been published on the benefits and drawbacks of these two classics, it’s still hard to tell which is the best for your health? Here’s a small summary of their advantages and disadvantages.

Coffee

• Benefits: Coffee is rich in caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant that helps increase awareness. It contains antioxidants and reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It is also known to help prevent cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, liver diseases, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

• Disadvantages: Coffee, and especially caffeine, can lead to addiction. It can also cause digestive problems and can have a harmful effect on certain types of hypertension. It’s definitely not recommended for people with insomnia and for those, wanting the maintain their white teeth.

Tea

• Advantages: Tea is rich in theine, an energising molecule that (unlike caffeine) does not cause insomnia. Extremely rich in antioxidants, it helps purify the digestive system and protect against cardiovascular diseases.

• Disadvantages: Like coffee, tea tends to yellow the enamel of the teeth. Another disadvantage for vegetarians or those suffering from anaemia (iron deficiency) is that it reduces the absorption of iron.

 

So these two drinks have several advantages and disadvantages. Of course everyone is free to choose one or the other. In reality, the most important part of consuming either of these drinks is to avoid adding sugar to them! If you have a natural sweet tooth, try replacing the sugar in your tea with fresh fruits, mint, or cinnamon …You’ll be surprised how good they taste.

To conclude, choose the drink that makes you the happiest, but keep in mind that any of these drinks consumed in excess can have detrimental effects on your health. Limit yourself to 3 cups of coffee or 6 cups of tea per day.