The Hidden Health Benefits of Coffee & Tea
Did you know that the entire world drinks about 6 billion cups of tea every day?
Tea is the second most popular drink in the world next to water. Followed very closely by coffee in its popularity (according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization), coffee which is now produced in at least 70 countries around the world, can be enjoyed either as a hot or cold beverage, making it a favorite drink and a household staple to many.
As two of the most consumed beverages in the world (next to water), coffee and tea are always available at restaurants, cafes, households, and offices.
So if you’re fond of drinking coffee or tea not just once, but several times during the day, here’s something you will be delighted to learn: drinking coffee and tea regularly can have several health benefits!
The Caffeine in Coffee and Tea
Caffeine, the most common psychoactive substance in the world, is present in both coffee and tea. Both drinks contain varying amounts of caffeine, which plays an important role in boosting mental function.
When we drink caffeinated coffee and tea, caffeine is absorbed in the bloodstream and travels to the brain where it causes a stimulant effect and increases the amounts of neurotransmitters dopamine and epinephrine (adrenaline) levels in the blood. Furthermore, this stimulates the fight-or-flight hormones making us more mentally alert. This also leads to a boost in memory, mood, energy level, and overall mental function.
Powerful Source of Antioxidants
Not only are coffee and tea great for the brain, but one of the many reasons why they are considered very healthy drinks is because of a very powerful substance called antioxidants.
Antioxidants can prevent many forms of cancer, help fight off cardiovascular diseases, and chronic illnesses. These substances slow down the damage to our cells caused by free radicals, which leads to a host of illnesses. One study in 2005 proved that one of the greatest sources of antioxidants (aside from fruits and vegetables) is coffee. Likewise, black tea and green tea are also rich in antioxidants and help prevent several forms of cancer.
Inflammation, the process by which our bodies fight against harmful substances, can further cause more lasting damage in our organs and cause sickness when it turns into a chronic type of inflammation. Chlorogenic acid, another substance present in coffee, has also been proven to reduce inflammation which helps protect against chronic diseases.
Now we know that coffee helps boost brain function, fights off cancers, and cardiovascular diseases. And tea can also help fight inflammation and further boost our immune system.
But what’s lesser-known about both drinks is their ability to burn fat. Several studies show that caffeine present in both coffee and tea can aid in fat-burning and this is why caffeine is present in most fat-burning supplements in the market. Similarly, caffeine also boosts metabolic rate by 3% to 11%.
Considering all the essential nutrients found in a single cup of coffee which includes vitamins B2, B3, B5, manganese, and potassium, drinking coffee and tea regularly does prove to come with several health benefits!
As long as you drink coffee/tea in moderation, enjoying a hot cuppa joe or sipping tea juices ought to continue being a worthwhile luxury that adds more flavor and positivity to your day.