Evidence is beginning to suggest that coffee and tea both have health benefits, but in different ways. Here, we look at a few of them, and some of the downsides too.
So, we’ll start with the benefits of tea. Tea has high levels of anti-oxidants that can prevent the occurrence of some diseases, such as heart disease, cancers, and even has anti-aging potential. White tea can help beat obesity. It has been found to stop the growth of new fat cells. Green tea has been shown to reduce the risk of esophageal cancer in women by as much as 60%. Tea may prevent Type 1 diabetes developing, or slow it down if it has already occurred. Tea contains fluoride, which helps to protect teeth. People drinking black tea 4 times a day were found to have lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. And finally, a well known misconception, but tea does actually hydrate the body, not dehydrate it due to the caffeine, as many would believe. But tea does have some potential downsides too. It may contain pesticides, and it contains large amounts of tannin, which stops the body absorbing iron. Adding milk may also stop the potential benefits of preventing cancer.
The benefits of coffee begin with the fact that people who drink coffee have a lower chance of suffering Alzheimer’s disease in later life, as well as lower the possibilities of getting heart disease. Studies have shown that coffee helps to prevent Type 2 diabetes, and in men over 40, the development of gout. Coffee helps short term recall, and improved reaction time. And coffee also protects the liver, from liver. The downside? Well, coffee has over 1000 chemicals in it, with 19 being known carcinogens. Coffee causes teeth discoloration, and research shows that coffee reduces blood flow to the heart.
It appears that perhaps consuming both, in the right amounts, may be the way to go.
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