While both Green Tea and Coffee have their advantages and there are distinct differences between the two, they both do offer health benefits from antioxidants that offer protection from certain illnesses. Individual preferences such as taste and tolerance to caffeine would determine whether you choose green tea or coffee. Before taking sides – green tea or coffee 😊, do read the list of comparisons, to help you understand more and make an informed decision. It is always recommended that you seek the advice of a doctor before adding or removing anything from your diet.
Caffeine Content
By and large, coffee does contain more caffeine than green tea. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that 250ml of coffee contains about 80 to 100 mg of caffeine, while 250ml of green tea contains about 30-50mg of caffeine. These are approximations since several factors contribute to the caffeine content in both these beverages. Listed here are some factors. The caffeine content in both depends on:
In Tea:
- On the kind/variety of tea
- Time of harvesting (earlier harvested leaves of the same plant would have a higher caffeine content)
- Brewing at a higher temperature would lead to more extraction of caffeine into the tea
- longer brewing or steeping in hot water also increases the amount of caffeine in the brew. Tea that is brewed in cold water, even for a longer duration, will have a lesser amount of caffeine in the brew than tea steeped in hot water for a shorter duration
- The method of brewing too affects caffeine content. Iced tea is most often brewed with hot water and then cooled; hence it does contain the same amount of caffeine as a hot brew.
In Coffee:
- Type and grind size of the coffee bean – for example, the Arabica bean contains less caffeine than the Robusta variety. Also, coarse grounds beans have lesser caffeine content when compared to finely ground ones.
- There are a variety of brewing methods for coffee – percolated, drip, French press, espresso – and each serving varies in caffeine content.
- A higher amount of coffee does mean a higher amount of caffeine.
- Longer brewing leads to increased caffeine extraction – meaning higher caffeine content per serving.
- Hot brewed coffee has a higher caffeine content when compared with cold-brewed coffee since caffeine extraction is faster with hot water.
Gains for Health
Several studies conducted to determine the health benefits of green tea vs coffee have revealed some interesting facts. Both beverages help with:
- elevating brain function
- reducing weight
- keeping certain illnesses at bay.
The compounds found in both beverages have their unique benefits.
- Both green tea and coffee help with improving the functioning of the brain. The caffeine content in both is a stimulant, which when consumed in suitable amounts can improve alertness, reaction time, and attention. However, jitters and insomnia are the downsides of too much caffeine. Do check in with your doctor to ascertain the right amount for you, especially if you are on medication of any kind.
- Since the caffeine content in coffee is way higher, it would be the better option if you need an instant mood or energy ‘pick up’.
- If you need your caffeine kick, but are also sensitive to it, green tea is the way to go. While it has caffeine, it also has a compound L-theanine that slows the absorption of caffeine by the brain. Enjoy your caffeine boost without the jitters or insomnia.
Fat Burning and Dissolving Properties of Green Tea
- Both beverages accelerate the metabolism, which in turn helps with burning and dissolving fat in the body.
- The nutrients and antioxidants in these beverages are associated with weight loss and fat mobilization
Prevention of Diseases/Illnesses with Green Tea
- The main compound in green tea is EGCG or Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which is closely associated with the prevention of certain diseases and illnesses and is found in abundance in green tea.
- The antiviral and antibacterial properties of green tea help to fight several diseases including the flu, Hepatitis-C, food transmitted bacteria, and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA, an antibiotic-resistant bacterium and therefore is very hard to treat. Researchers are also looking at the possibility of EGCG helping with the prevention or treatment of the deadly coronavirus.
The properties of green tea are also being examined for their role in bringing relief from diseases such as:
- Diabetes – EGCG and other compounds help to lower blood sugar levels
- Migraine headaches can be relieved by Q-10, a coenzyme present in green tea
Heart-related diseases can be alleviated by consuming green tea since it helps to boost blood circulation, lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels
Saponin found in green tea contains properties that help relieve respiratory disorders such as asthma
Disease Prevention with Coffee
Coffee too essays a role in alleviating certain diseases.
As per experts, there seems to be a connection between the reduction in the risk for Type2 Diabetes and consuming coffee
Studies claim that drinking coffee can reduce Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers are trying to establish the connection between coffee drinking and lowered risk of Parkinson’s disease. This can prove to be highly beneficial, given that there is currently no cure for this nerve degenerative disease
As per studies, consuming about four cups of coffee per day can dramatically lower the risk of liver disease and cirrhosis
For Weight Loss – Green tea vs Coffee
Green tea: This contains catechins, a form of flavonoid, which is an antioxidant that speeds up the metabolism and breaks down the extra fat within the body. This particular property of green tea makes it the perfect choice, as a morning beverage since it provides a boost to the metabolism, making you feel energetic and ‘ready to go’.
Black Coffee: This is a favorite drink of coffee drinkers, and without milk and sugar or other sweeteners, it is relatively healthy given that it is only coffee and works to hasten the metabolism, which helps in weight loss and boosts energy levels. Hastened metabolic activity (almost 3 to 11%) by consuming black coffee reduces hunger and suppresses the craving for unhealthy foods. It is necessary, however, to keep a check on the amount of black coffee one consumes, as there are negative side effects from high caffeine levels.
Green Coffee: Coffee beans that are not roasted are used to make green coffee powder. These beans contain CGA, which keeps blood sugar in control, while also regulating the metabolism and serving to burn fat faster given the higher levels of CGA. Experts say that regular consumption of green coffee acts as a catalyst for weight loss, sans a diet or strenuous workout.
Versatile Beverages
Both beverages are highly versatile and hence can be had hot or cold, in a variety of food and drink recipes, and with or without milk and sugar.
As hot drinks, both green tea and coffee are prepared with hot water, and depending on taste preference, can be had with milk and, or a sweetener. There is a range of brewing methods for both – espresso, drip, French press, and more for coffee brewing, cup brewing, pot brewing, matcha whisking, and more for green tea brews.
Tea and Coffee cafes and ‘bars’ offer a range of beverages with coffee or green tea as the base. The matcha latte is a green tea-based beverage, while a coffee latte is a coffee-based one.
Green tea and coffee can also be served cold. Cold-brewing is used to prepare iced green tea and cold coffee drinks such as Frappuccino.
Some people also add alcoholic drinks to their green tea and coffee, and these drinks are gaining in popularity. So, whether you wish for your coffee or green tea, with your alcohol – you are in luck. Espresso Martini or Green Martini shots are popular, as are Arabica coffee liqueur or matcha liqueur.
It’s Your Drink – You Decide
With all the information you now have on green tea vs coffee, it is time for you to decide which is better for you. Check with your doctor to ascertain what would work – depending on your lifestyle, medication, and other factors. Drink up to health and goodness!
