Coffee and tea are the two most popular beverages, especially at breakfast or when it comes to boosting the energy and alertness. The debate on which of the two is better is an old one and it does not seem like will be over soon, because both have very passionate advocates. After all, it is a matter of individual taste and preference. There has been much talk lately about the benefits of green tea but many people still remain devoted to coffee.
Coffee and green tea share some common features, but they also have significant differences between them.
Health benefits
Green tea is believed to be one of the healthiest beverages. This is mainly because it contains powerful antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals and their negative effects on the health. Green tea can prevent atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and cancer.
On the other hand, coffee too is a good source of antioxidants. Instead of catechins, it contains chlorogenic acids. Some studies have even suggested that coffee contains more antioxidants than green tea. Also, when it comes to phenolic acids, coffee contains more of them than green tea.
Coffee is believed to reduce the risk of diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, colon cancer, asthma and depression.
Caffeine and side effects
Many of the coffee benefits come from caffeine. Green tea also contains caffeine, although in smaller amount.
Caffeine is a good natural stimulant, it makes a person more alert, focused, awake and energized. However, too much caffeine from coffee can make a person jittery, anxious and irritable.
On the other hand, green tea offers benefits of caffeine, without undesired side effects. This is because green tea contains theanine, an amino acid which soothes and relaxes, thus counteracting the effects of caffeine.
Those who want immediate and strong effects of caffeine should drink coffee, being careful not to overdo it.
Weight loss
Caffeine suppresses appetite and helps burn calories. However, if milk and sugar are added to coffee, the calorie count raises. Green tea, on the other hand, possesses a combination of caffeine, theanine and EGCG, which stimulates the metabolism and this promotes weight loss. Also, good quality green tea is naturally sweet and does not need any sugar.
Gourmet experience
This question is the most debated over, and for obvious reasons. People who like coffee say that green tea is bland and that nothing can beat the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. It is a question of personal taste and preference.
Tea lovers have learned to appreciate the delicate fragrance and light aroma of their favorite beverage and for them the comparison with coffee is almost an insult. In addition, choosing only high quality green tea varieties and preparing the tea according to traditional rules is something of a ritual.
Coffee does have certain aromatherapeutic effects. Simply smelling a steaming cup of coffee is believed to soothe the nerves and reduce stress.
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