- Coffee and tea are both energizing beverages, but coffee offers an immediate energy spike, while tea has a milder effect.
- Black and green tea are ideal for relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety due to their L-theanine content.
- It is important not to overdo caffeine consumption to avoid dehydration and to consume both drinks in moderation.
If I had asked Pino Daniele he would have answered without hesitation ‘Na tazzulella ‘e café. An Englishman perhaps would have opted for a cup of English Breakfast Tea. The choice is obviously subjective and dictated by everyone’s tastes and habits: someone associates coffee with a boost of energy useful for (re)waking up, others associate tea with a moment of relaxation that one indulges in perhaps mid-afternoon, to be accompanied by some cookies or a slice of tart. However, there may be other reasons for preferring one or the other beverage.
Energizing in their own way
Both tea and coffee can be considered energy drinks but in different ways:
- coffee has a higher caffeine content (about 60-120 mg per cup compared to tea’s 20-70 mg) and has a more immediate effect by giving a sudden spike in energy;
- the caffeine in tea in addition to being in smaller amounts is combined with other substances such as L-theanine that dampen its effects, which is why it is referred to as theine and not caffeine. For this reason, the effect of tea is softer and milder than that of coffee.
In both cases, however, it would be best to avoid, or limit, the consumption of caffeinated beverages in the evening hours to avoid disturbing sleep.
To relax
If you are looking for something to sip during a moment of relaxation, tea may be the choice for you. One study showed that drinking black tea could help relieve everyday stress. A similar effect is achieved by drinking green tea, which, due to its lower theine content, would help reduce anxiety and stress.
The choice is yours (but don’t abuse it)
Unless there are specific issues related to caffeine tolerance or digestibility, you can safely consume both drinks. Be careful not to abuse them, however, because too much caffeine can dehydrate you in the long run.
(Via BBC)