CANTIKA.COM, Jakarta - Many people can't start their morning without a caffeinated drink. Usually, the choice falls between tea and coffee, two popular drinks that act as mood boosters in the early hours. However, if health is a priority, you may wonder which one is actually better for the body?
To find out, let's hear the opinions of nutrition experts about the benefits of coffee and tea, as well as how both affect the body.
Benefits of Drinking Coffee
For those who can't start the day without coffee, here's some good news: this drink has many health benefits.
"Brewed coffee contains antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid and polyphenols," said nutrition expert Maddie Pasquariello as quoted from Real Simple. These antioxidants protect the body from cell damage caused by free radicals, which means they can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart and cancer.
According to diet expert Samantha Peterson, the antioxidants in coffee also support brain health, metabolism, and liver detoxification. Even the caffeine in it has anti-inflammatory effects that can help protect the body from mild inflammation.
Benefits of Drinking Tea
Just like coffee, tea is rich in antioxidants. Peterson explains that tea contains catechins (such as EGCG in green tea) and theaflavins in black tea, which support heart health, metabolism, hormones, and the immune system.
Furthermore, tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that produces a calming effect while maintaining focus. This is why the energy obtained from tea feels softer, without the restlessness sometimes felt after drinking coffee.
Coffee vs Tea: Which is Healthier?
The answer depends on individual needs and health conditions because both have many benefits for the body.
"The difference between switching tea with coffee or vice versa is not too significant for overall health," said Pasquariello.
Despite the fact that coffee has more polyphenols and caffeine, the balance of nutrition and lifestyle has a much greater impact on long-term health.
So if both are equally beneficial, how do you choose? Peterson suggests considering energy, mood, focus, digestion, and sleep quality. If you need a quick energy boost for busy activities, coffee may be the choice. But if you want stable and calm energy without anxiety, tea may be more suitable.
Coffee is also more suitable for those who can tolerate caffeine well, while tea is gentler for those sensitive to caffeine or who are maintaining hormone balance.
So, both coffee and tea provide benefits, as long as they are consumed wisely. As Peterson said, "Ultimately, the best choice depends on your body, your goals, and how you respond to caffeine." So, choose what is most suitable for your body rhythm, whether it's a warm cup of coffee or soothing green tea.
REAL SIMPLE
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