Tea & Coffee

Tea and coffee are the two most popular and common beverages in the world. Many people around the world have made it a ritual or habit to have a cup of tea every morning after waking up. Many believe that having a cup of either beverage will give them an energy boost for the day. Have you ever sat to imagine or research about the medicinal properties of the two beverages? Both tea and coffee contain antioxidants, caffeine, and other compounds in traces that can be of great benefit to your health. While coffee is rich in both caffeine and antioxidants, you can have more tea throughout the day to gain equal health benefits. Both are believed to be hazardous and addictive if used in large quantities.

Below are differences and facts about coffee and tea that drinkers should know:

·         Coffee is extracted from the bean of a coffee plant while tea is extracted from the leaves of a tea plant.

·         The highest consumers of coffee are the USA while those of tea include people from China, India, Japan and U.K.

·         Coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia in 9^th century while tea was first discovered in China in 2737 BC. The two remained eastern beverages until 17^th century

·         Additions to the two beverages include sugar, milk, ginger, and lemon juice.

·         Coffee is richer in both antioxidants and caffeine than tea

·         Worldwide production of coffee and tea begun in 17^th century

·         Drinking too much tea or coffee can be dangerous to your health

·         Both beverages are addictive due to the presence of caffeine

Health Benefits of Tea and Coffee

Below are key health benefits of tea and coffee beyond refreshment:

Tea

·         Rich in antioxidants- Tea contains antioxidants that help the body to get rid of free radicals that can cause harm to health cells. Some of the antioxidants present in tea include flavonoids and catechins. The two antioxidants are known to neutralize free radicals such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species that may kill cells causing cancer and aging

·         Prevent type 2 diabetes- According to scientific studies, those who drink more than 6 cups of green tea every day have lower risk of getting type 2 diabetes compared to those who have less or none.

·         Weight loss- Scientific evidence shows that long-term consumption of tea can help you lose weight. Green tea contains catechins which are beneficial in fat burning. Catechins can also work with other chemicals to increase thermogenesis and fat oxidation.

·         Bone health- After animal research, it was found that green tea contains some compounds that can help boost bone strength and structures. Such chemicals, polyphenols, when combined with vitamin D, help produce strong bones.

·         Cancer prevention- Compounds found in green teahave been found to down-regulate the expression of proteins that are involved in inflammation, cell motility, angiogenesis and cell signalization which help prevent cancer development. Green tea has been associated with decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. A recent study shows that polyphenols present in green tea act on molecular pathways shutting down the production and spreading of tumor cells. Polyphenols also help discourage the blood vessels that feed tumor cells

·         Vision health- Catechins present in green tea have been found to prevent glaucoma and other eye diseases.

·         Heart health- Green tea contains some chemicals that help improve the ability of your arteries to relax, therefore improving blood flow. Recent research suggests that drinking at least 5 cups of tea daily can help prevent diseases or disorders such as stroke, heart attack, arteriosclerosis and cerebral thrombosis.

·         Dental care- According to recent research, tea is very important for your dental health. Chemicals present in tea changes the PH in your mouth preventing enamel erosion as a result of low PH.

·         Boost immune system- Recent studies shows that green tea can help tune your immune cells helping them reach their targets faster than normal.

·         Sooth the digestive system- Herbal tea especially chamomile can be of great importance for people with irritable bowel disease since it is antispasmodic. Ginger tea has also been found to calm nausea

Coffee

·         Rich in antioxidants- Just like tea, coffee is also rich in antioxidants that help the body neutralize free radicals such as ROS that may cause destruction of healthy cells usually associated with premature aging. High levels of antioxidants found in coffee can as well help in treatment of non-alcoholic fatty live disease which is one way of preventing chronic liver disease and liver cancer.

·         Promote brain health- Caffeine found in coffee has been found to decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and Parkinson’s disease due to its brain stimulating capacity.

·         Boost physical performance- A cup of tea before exercise can help your body release adrenaline a hormone that helps you prepare for physical exercise.

·         Fight stress and depression- Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system helping boost the production of neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin. Production of these neurotransmitters elevates your mood, keeping stress at bay.

·         Prevent Type 2 diabetes- Just like tea, coffee contains caffeine that decreases insulin sensitivity impairing glucose tolerance. This reduces risk of getting type 2 diabetes.

·         Weight loss- Coffee contains potassium and magnesium which help your body to use insulin to regulate body sugar by reducing craving for sugary items.

Effects of caffeine in the body

Caffeine is of benefit to your body when used in moderate quantities. However, if you consume too much, it can affect your mood and cause physical side effects such as:

1.       Central nervous system- Can cause headaches, confusion and hallucinations

2.       Digestive system- Too much caffeine can raise the stomach acidity causing heartburn. Caffeine is also a diuretic that triggers your body to get rid of water.

3.       Respiratory and circulatory systems-High levels of caffeine in your blood can cause breathing problems and heart palpitations

4.       Reproductive system- Too much caffeine can cause slowed fetal development which increases risk of miscarriage. Large amounts of caffeine have also been linked to interference of estrogen production which makes it harder to get pregnant

5.       Skeletal and muscle systems- Large amounts of caffeine have been found to alter the absorption and metabolism of calcium which leads to bone thinning and osteoporosis.

The impact of caffeine may vary in each individual, which may explain why there are mixed messages on whether caffeine is bad or good.