Coffee or Tea: Which Is Better for You?
It's five in the morning and your alarm clock is still ringing in your ears. You can barely open your eyes, much less put together a work-appropriate outfit and walk outside to greet a new day. You shuffle to the kitchen to grab a cup of – what? What hot breakfast drink will wake you up while preserving your health? Around the world, tea is often the beverage of choice. In America, coffee predominantly rules. As a health-conscious person, you have to know: which is better for you? The answer is a resounding "it depends."
Coffee vs. Black Tea
The most popular type of tea is definitely black tea, and although it does contain less caffeine than your average cup of Joe, coffee is actually the healthier choice in this scenario. A moderate consumption of coffee promotes healthy blood flow and brain functioning. Coffee possesses more antioxidants than black tea, and it decreases your risk of cancer, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, and diabetes. Coffee can also lower your blood pressure and prevent heart disease. While black tea contains many of the same nutrients and benefits, coffee provides a more potent amount.
Other Types of Tea
While coffee is preferable to black tea, other types of tea, such as green or herbal mixtures, are usually a better choice than coffee. Green tea is linked with the prevention of many diseases, including cancer, stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. It differs from black tea, keeping more of its nutrients, because there is less processing involved when preparing green tea. Herbal teas also tend to have many beneficial nutrients, but they do not carry any caffeine.
You Can Make Anything Unhealthy
Although coffee is actually a healthier food staple than many people believe, anything can become unhealthy when overused or filled with sweeteners. Watch the amount of sugar you mix in with any type drink, tea or coffee, and choose a traditional cup of Joe over a sweetened, trendy latte.
If you have more questions about your diet, the staff at Plantation General Hospital can help. Just call our Consult-a-Nurse® service anytime at 1-866-442-2362. We can also provide a physician referral.
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February 22, 2012 | Posted by Plantation General
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