Which is Healthier, Coffee or Tea?

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Which is Healthier, Coffee or Tea?

Coffee and tea are the champions of the hot beverage world. Nearly every country in the world enjoys one or both beverages. Coffee dominates the Americas while hot tea is a favorite in Europe and Asia. But which of these drinks is best for your health? Is there any difference at all? Following is a side-by-side comparison. NOTE: The nutritional data is based on 8 ounces of brewed black coffee made with tap water versus 8 ounces of black tea brewed with tap water, no sugar or cream added.

Caffeine

            Although both drinks contain significant amounts of caffeine, coffee contains 94.8 mg. per serving, exactly double the amount found in tea (47.4 mg.) While this can be desirable to a person who wants that wake-up kick in the morning, the negative health effects of caffeine makes tea the better choice.

Calories

            Both coffee and tea are extremely low in calories, both having 2.4 calories in an 8-ounce cup. Keep in mind that adding sugar and creamer or milk will add calories to your beverage.

Fat and Cholesterol

            Neither drink contains any cholesterol. Tea has no fat of any type, while coffee has 2.4 mg of Omega 6 fatty acid.

Sodium

            Coffee has a slight edge here, boasting of only 4.7 mg. of sodium per serving. Tea contains 7.1 mg. Both contain less than 1% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for sodium.

Nutrients

            Coffee offers significant amounts of riboflavin (11% RDA) and B-5 vitamin (6% RDA), as well as thiamin, niacin, potassium and other essential vitamins and minerals. Tea has a surprising amount of manganese, providing 26% RDA. Tea also contains folate, potassium and trace amounts of other minerals.

Conclusion    

         Coffee and tea fit well into a weight loss regimen provided you go lightly on sugar and cream. Both drinks have nutritional value, with coffee offering a wider variety of nutrients and tea more focused on a couple of key minerals. Tea’s main edge is its lesser caffeine content, so if caffeine consumption is a concern, tea is the clear winner.