Which is more refreshing, tea or coffee? Which is healthier to drink tea or coffee?

Tea and coffee are two of the most popular beverages worldwide. Tea is China's national drink, and coffee is an imported product. The biggest thing that both have in common is that they both contain caffeine, which can refresh the mind and help you concentrate better, thus improving your work efficiency.

However, tea and coffee differ greatly not only in their pick-me-up effects, but also in their health effects. So, which is more refreshing, tea or coffee? Which is healthier to drink tea or coffee? Next, let's compare and see what you are more suitable to drink.

1. Contrast of the refreshing effect of tea and coffee

When it comes to refreshing effects, tea and coffee have their pros and cons. Below we will compare their refreshing effects in terms of caffeine content, absorption rate, and the effects of other ingredients.

1. Caffeine content comparison:

• Coffee: A standard cup of coffee (about 240 ml) usually contains 80-100 mg of caffeine. Caffeine quickly enters the bloodstream, stimulates the central nervous system, and improves alertness and concentration.

• Tea: A standard cup of tea (about 240 ml) usually contains 30-60 mg of caffeine. Although the amount of caffeine in tea is lower, it can still boost mental state.

2. Absorption rate:

• Coffee: Caffeine is absorbed more quickly, usually reaching its peak plasma within 30 minutes. This means that after drinking coffee, the pick-me-up effect is quickly revealed.
• Tea: The caffeine in tea is absorbed relatively slowly, and the effects may be gradual within 1 hour of consumption. This makes the tea milder for a refreshing effect, making it suitable for people who need a stable state.

3. Effects of other ingredients:

• Tea: The theanine in tea can relieve the hypereuphoria of caffeine, resulting in a smoother pick-me-up. Tea polyphenols help to improve cognitive function and enhance memory.
• Coffee: The caffeine in coffee has a strong stimulating effect on the nervous system and may lead to side effects such as anxiety and insomnia. If consumed in excess, it may have negative health effects.

2. Comparison of the health effects of tea and coffee

Tea and coffee differ not only in their refreshing effects, but also in their health effects.

1. Cardiovascular Health:

• Coffee: Some studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, excessive caffeine intake may lead to problems such as high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, etc.
• Tea: Tea polyphenols and other antioxidants in tea can help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and improve cardiovascular health. Overall, green and black tea have a positive effect on cardiovascular health.

2. Digestive system:

• Coffee: Caffeine helps stimulate stomach acid secretion, which may cause stomach upset or worsen gastritis symptoms. For people with stomach problems or stomach sensitivities, coffee may not be the best choice.
• Tea: Tea is less acid-irritating and generally gentler on the digestive system. However, the tannic acid in tea may affect iron absorption and needs to be consumed separately from meals.

3. Antioxidant Capacity:

• Coffee: Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which fight free radicals in the body and help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes.
• Tea: The tea polyphenols in tea have a strong antioxidant effect, stronger than most fruits and vegetables. The catechins in green tea are especially known for their potent antioxidant power.

4. Bone density:

• Coffee: Long-term consumption of large amounts of coffee may lead to decreased bone density and increased risk of fractures.
• Tea: Tea is consumed in moderation has a positive effect on bone health, and certain studies have shown that certain components in tea can help maintain bone density.

III. Conclusions and Recommendations

Tea and coffee have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here's a summary of the comparisons and recommendations for healthy drinking:

1. Refreshment Effect:

• Coffee: Boosts the mood and is ideal for when you need a quick mental boost.
• Tea: The pick-me-up effect is mild, suitable for situations that require long-term stability.

2. Health Impacts:

• Coffee: Drinking it in moderation may support cardiovascular health, but excessive amounts can have negative effects. People with stomach sensitivities should drink with caution.
• Tea: It has significant benefits for cardiovascular health, antioxidants, etc., and is suitable for long-term drinking.

3. Drinking suggestions:

• If you need a quick pick-me-up or focus at work, coffee may be a better choice.
• If you want to stay healthy for a long time, or if you have an upset stomach, tea is a healthier drink.

In short, whether it is tea or coffee, it can give us the desired effect in different situations. Understanding their ingredients and functions, and choosing and matching them with each other will help us achieve a better state in work and life.