Each person I've met till date is either a tea lover or a coffee addict. Both the beverages are widely popular, not only in India but in the entire world. In India, chai or tea has been a staple drink for all meals of the day. With the advent of Starbucks and other coffee shops, the popularity of coffee has shot up.
Tea is refreshing, restoring and a cup of comfort on wintry nights while coffee is our buddy whenever we need a kickstart, be it in the morning or at night. Personally, I like my tea hot and coffee cold.
If we talk about the two in terms of health benefits, variety, aroma, and taste, it's a tough call to say which beverage is better. But that's what I've broken down for you.
Tea
Loaded with antioxidants that do wonders for our bodies, tea is positively the first preference of most Asian countries (not that other continents do not hold it dear). British geographer David Grigg wrote that worldwide "three cups of tea are drunk for every one of coffee.”
Tea is considered to be a relaxing agent that aids psychological well-being. Green tea is honestly a blessing to lower bad cholesterol, reduce obesity, and tranquilize your mind. The wide variety of tea available is always a boon, especially when the flavor is infused with lemon, cinnamon, apple, lavender, and hibiscus. Bliss.
It is also found that tea protects against cancer, dementia, and cardiovascular diseases. It promotes dental health and reduces stress. The aroma of the tea is as aesthetic and pleasing as its color.
Coffee
The belief that some people can't function without their morning coffee is a testimony to the fact that coffee can be addictive. With the wide variety of coffee available, this drink is a hot favorite for coffee dates, breakfast, and pulling all-nighters for exams.
This beverage has more antioxidants than any other drink or food item, which makes it all the more beneficial for health. In fact, it has been found that the aroma of coffee helps to reduce stress levels and drinking coffee makes you happier.
Coffee lowers the risk of Parkinson's disease, liver cirrhosis, skin cancer, Type-II diabetes and also keeps your brain healthier. It contains more caffeine than tea which makes your brain more alert when you gulp down cups after cups to complete your syllabus at night.
The Final Verdict
These two beverages might differ in origins and popularity in different countries but without a doubt, both are absolutely delicious. In terms of flavor, aroma, and variety, I believe both of them are top notch and suit different people according to their personal preference.
However, coffee supersedes the amount of caffeine in tea. A large amount of caffeine can lead to high blood pressure, increased anxiety, heart palpitations, insomnia, and restlessness. Tea produces the similar calming effect but with less amount of caffeine, thus, in that sense, we can consider tea to be better than coffee.
I am not saying that coffee is harmful, nor can I imagine life without cold coffee. To be honest, both the beverages would be a healthier option without the cream and two packs of sugar. It is the sugar that does more harm than caffeine.
It doesn't matter which one is better, as long as you enjoy your favorite beverage.