Jessy James In the UK, tea and coffee are the nation’s most beloved beverages, with countless cups consumed daily. But beyond personal preference, is there any real reason to choose one over the other? Let’s explore their effects on alertness, relaxation, teeth, and overall health.
Boosting Alertness
Caffeine, found in both tea and coffee, is renowned for improving alertness and reaction time. A moderate amount (40–300mg, roughly a cup of coffee) can enhance focus and attention, though its effects on memory and decision-making are less consistent.
Tea has an additional benefit: it contains L-theanine, an amino acid that works with caffeine to improve attention-switching and reduce distractions. If tea feels like a smoother pick-me-up, research suggests you’re not imagining it.
However, caffeine lingers in your system long after consumption—about half remains after 5–6 hours and a quarter after 10–12 hours. While some people can sleep after a post-dinner espresso, caffeine may reduce restorative deep sleep, leaving you feeling less refreshed the next morning.
Interestingly, studies show tea can produce similar alerting effects to coffee but is less likely to disrupt sleep, making it a good choice later in the day.
Relaxing Effects
While some people enjoy a hot drink to unwind, tea may be particularly effective at reducing stress. Black tea, for instance, has been linked to faster recovery from stress, though the exact components responsible remain unclear. Green tea, with its lower caffeine content and higher levels of L-theanine, has also been shown to reduce acute stress and anxiety.
Coffee, on the other hand, can increase anxiety at higher caffeine levels. The NHS advises switching to decaf coffee if you’re looking to relax or are prone to anxiety.
Teeth Staining and Oral Health
Both tea and coffee can stain teeth, but tea tends to have a stronger staining effect, even on whitened teeth. To minimize staining, dental hygienist Anna Middleton suggests:
- Adding milk or non-dairy alternatives.
- Rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash after drinking.
- Using a straw for iced beverages.
- Brushing with an electric toothbrush for better plaque removal.
- Cleaning between teeth with floss or interdental brushes.
- Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol to boost saliva production.
Regular visits to a dental hygienist can also help maintain a bright smile.
Health Benefits
Both tea and coffee contain polyphenols, plant compounds that offer numerous health benefits. Coffee has more polyphenols overall, but tea and coffee feature different types. Both drinks have been linked to reduced risks of chronic conditions like Type-2 diabetes.
However, moderation is key. Drinking more than four cups of coffee a day may raise blood pressure, and excessive caffeine consumption from either drink could lead to dehydration.
Green Tea vs Black Tea
Black tea remains the UK’s favorite, but green tea is gaining popularity, especially among younger generations. While both teas come from the Camellia sinensis plant, the difference lies in their processing. Green tea is less oxidized, preserving compounds like catechins, particularly EGCG, which may offer unique health benefits. Black tea contains theaflavins, which also have health-promoting properties.
Despite green tea’s reputation for aiding weight loss, Professor Justin Roberts of Anglia Ruskin University notes you’d need to drink large amounts for a noticeable effect. Weight loss from green tea is often accompanied by other lifestyle changes, like a healthier diet or increased exercise.
Caffeine Sensitivity
Some people are more sensitive to caffeine and may experience digestive issues, anxiety, or impaired sleep. If this applies to you, switching to tea or decaffeinated drinks might be a better choice. Gradually reducing caffeine intake can help avoid withdrawal symptoms, which are typically more severe for coffee drinkers due to its higher caffeine content.
Pregnant women are advised to limit caffeine intake, and caffeinated beverages are unsuitable for toddlers and young children.
