Four Reasons Why Tea Is a Better Choice Than Coffee

Less Caffeine, Fewer Side Effects

One of the main reasons for replacing coffee with tea is its lower caffeine content. Caffeine can enhance focus and boost alertness, but for some people, excessive consumption can cause side effects such as restlessness, insomnia, or even heart palpitations. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that daily caffeine intake should not exceed 400 milligrams, although sensitivity to caffeine can depend on various factors such as age, gender, genetics, and medication use.

Alexis Supan, a nutrition expert from the Cleveland Clinic, says, 'The side effects of caffeine are really the main reason why you might want to distance yourself from coffee.'

In this regard, tea shows its advantage. A typical cup of tea contains between 20 to 60 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the type, while a regular cup of coffee usually has between 80 to 100 milligrams of caffeine.

Rich Source of Antioxidants

Both coffee and tea are packed with bioactive compounds (plant chemicals that contribute to health); however, tea stands out due to its greater variety of antioxidants. These compounds, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and catechins, are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

For instance, green tea is rich in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant that supports cell health and may slow down the aging process. Black tea also contains theaflavins, which support cardiovascular health.

Drinking Tea Is Like Consuming Vegetables

Emma Beckett, a nutrition researcher at the University of Newcastle in Australia, says, 'When we eat fruits and vegetables, we get beneficial bioactive compounds that are good for our health. When we brew a cup of tea, the hot water and crushed plant provide an efficient way to extract these compounds and quickly deliver them to the body.'

This means that your daily beverage can be a powerful source of healthy compounds. Beckett adds, 'If you don't enjoy eating vegetables, tea can be a good source of bioactive compounds, similar to fruits and vegetables.'

Research shows that many of the health benefits of tea (from reducing the risk of chronic diseases to increasing lifespan) are due to these bioactive compounds. Beckett states, 'It makes perfect sense that we see people who drink more tea living longer and healthier lives.'

Tea and 'Relaxation'

One of the major differences between coffee and tea is the presence of a molecule called L-theanine in tea. This amino acid, found in tea leaves, can promote alertness without causing anxiety or losing a sense of calm. Beckett says, 'Tea, due to its combination of caffeine and L-theanine, offers more benefits than coffee.'

For those sensitive to caffeine, the relaxing effect of L-theanine can reduce the restlessness caused by coffee. L-theanine also has significant effects on brain health. Research has shown that it improves cognitive function, reduces stress, and may even enhance sleep quality.