Common Ground
Coffee and tea are two of the most popular beverages in the world, aside from water. Both can help you feel better and are great for socializing with friends.
Coffee basics
The beans are grown on flowering trees in over 50 countries, including the United States (Hawaii). The beans are roasted, ground, and then boiled.
Tea Basics
This beverage is consumed by more than two-thirds worldwide. It is made from the leaves of a shrub called Camellia Sinensis. The leaves are usually steeped in hot water for a few moments before being served hot or cold.
Green, Oolong, Black: What’s the Difference?
Teamakers dry the leaves and then crush them to extract their oils. Depending on the type of tea, they may expose them to the air for a time. Fermentation is a chemical reaction that alters the flavor and turns the leaves brown.
The more they are exposed to caffeine, the higher their levels. Because green tea leaves haven’t been fermented, it contains almost zero caffeine. Oolong leaves have only been fermented for a short time, while black tea leaves are fermented longer.
Free Radicals
These chemicals can cause damage to your cells, which can lead to illness and disease. They are made by your body when certain foods are converted to energy or when the sun hits your skin. They can also be found in foods and drinks. Antioxidants are chemicals that help protect your body from free radicals. They can be found in tea and coffee.
Type 2 Diabetes
This condition is more common in tea than coffee. It affects the way your body uses glucose (blood sugar) to fuel. The main problem with diabetes is that coffee contains a lot of an antioxidant that keeps your blood sugar stable and lower. The antioxidants in tea can help you process sugar in the blood.
Parkinson’s Disease
This severe disease attacks nerve cells in the brain, making it difficult to move. Coffee and tea could help prevent this deadly disease. Research suggests that caffeine may help to ease symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and others suggest that coffee and tea could protect your brain against it.
Heart Disease
People with this condition were once advised by doctors to stop drinking coffee and tea. However, it appears that they can protect you from the effects of caffeine. One study found that people who consumed 3 to 5 cups of coffee per day were less likely to have a calcium buildup in the vessels that carry blood to their heart muscles. This could lower your risk of developing heart disease.
Liver Disease
Another organ that may benefit from a morning cup of coffee is the liver. Drinking three or more cups of coffee per day can lower your chances of developing liver disease, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. It may also be an alternative treatment for those who suffer from these conditions. Scientists are still trying to discover the exact chemical compositions in coffee and how they may interact to benefit your liver.
Stroke
This occurs when blood is removed from one area of your brain. A cup of tea or coffee a day can help lower the chances of getting one. Coffee can reduce inflammation and control blood sugar levels. Drinking black tea can lower your risk of having a stroke.
Cancer
Green tea and coffee may help to prevent breast and prostate cancers. However, all types of tea can protect against cancers that affect the stomach and ovaries. This is due to antioxidants in tea (including polyphenols), according to researchers.
Alzheimer’s Disease
The disorder affects the brain’s nerve cells (neurons) and can lead to memory loss, changes in thought patterns, and behavioral changes. Green tea and coffee contain antioxidants that can protect neurons.
Gallstones
These tiny bits of hardened cholesterol or other substances build up in your gallbladder, a small organ that aids digestion. If they aren’t treated, they can cause severe pain and other health problems. Because coffee helps to move fluid through the gallbladder, it can reduce your chance of developing them.
Weight Loss
You may lose weight if you consume low-calorie drinks like tea and coffee instead of sugary beverages. These beverages can provide a satisfying pick-me-up with very few calories. However, if you add too much sugar or cream to the mix, it won’t work. So stick with the simple brew.
Don’t Overdo It
Too much caffeine can cause anxiety and irritability, which can lead to insomnia. Too much caffeine can also make it harder to retain calcium which can cause bone fractures. Calcium keeps your bones strong. If you are unsure about how much you should be taking, talk to your doctor.
