In the bustling world of health trends and dietary fads, two beverages have stood the test of time, both in tradition and health benefits: tea and coffee.
While tea is still the most popular drink in the UK with over 100 million cups drunk every day[1], there are now almost as many cups of coffee drunk too, with 98 million cups a day[2].
But as the debate brews over which is better for health, recent scientific findings shed light on the unique benefits each, and could be keys to longevity and cognitive well-being
Dr. Michael Mosley, renowned for popularising the 5:2 diet and the Fast 800 diet, has delved into the myriad health benefits of tea. On his BBC Sounds podcast, Just One Thing, he highlighted the potential of tea to lower stress levels[3].
"L-theanine is a bioactive amino acid that seems to make tea particularly good for relieving stress. In tests, volunteers produced less of the stress hormone Cortisol and reported feeling more relaxed after having a drink containing L-theanine compared to a drink which didn't."
"But that's not the only advantage of the L-theanine in tea - it can also give your brain a boost. Recent studies[4] have shown it can improve memory and reaction time when consumed with caffeine, which is, of course, also present in tea."
This combination seems to boost alpha brainwave activity, associated with alertness and creativity, making the brain more receptive to new information.
Beyond cognitive benefits, tea has shown promise in supporting bone health. A decade-long Australian study involving over 1,000 women aged over 75 found that those consuming more than three cups of tea daily had a 30% reduced risk of fractures due to osteoporosis[5].
This is a significant finding, especially considering the global prevalence of osteoporosis and its associated health costs.
Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of death worldwide. Here too, tea seems to offer protective benefits. Dr. Mosley cited a study involving nearly half a million UK participants, revealing that those who consumed at least two cups of tea daily had a notably lower risk of death over an 11-year period, especially from stroke and heart disease[6].
Remarkably, these benefits persisted even when participants added milk or sugar to their brew.
While coffee has seen a surge in popularity, especially with the proliferation of coffee shops and at-home brewing machines, it too offers a range of health benefits. Coffee, much like tea, is rich in antioxidants. These compounds play a crucial role in neutralising harmful free radicals in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition[7] found that regular coffee consumption was linked to a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Another research piece in the British Medical Journal[8] suggested that coffee drinkers might have a lower risk of stroke and certain types of cancers. Moreover, coffee has been shown to improve mental alertness, thanks to its caffeine content.
Studies in Psychopharmacology[9] have highlighted that coffee consumption could enhance mood, attention, and cognitive function, especially in sleep-deprived individuals.
However, it's essential to note that while tea generally contains less caffeine than coffee, it offers a balanced synergy of L-theanine and caffeine, which can provide alertness without the jitters often associated with high coffee consumption.
In an era dominated by fleeting health trends, the timeless allure of both tea and coffee remains undeniable. Each offers unique health advantages, from cognitive boosts to potential disease prevention.
Tea, with its harmonious blend of L-theanine and caffeine, provides a holistic approach to well-being, while coffee stands out for its alertness-enhancing properties and potential protection against certain diseases.
As you ponder over your next beverage choice, remember that whether it's a cup of tea or coffee, each sip could be a step towards a healthier, longer life.
1. What are the cognitive benefits of tea?
Tea contains L-theanine, which, when combined with caffeine, can enhance memory, reaction time, and increase alpha brainwave activity, promoting alertness and creativity.
2. How does tea support bone health?
Regular tea consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of fractures due to osteoporosis, possibly due to its polyphenol content.
3. Can tea consumption reduce the risk of heart diseases?
Yes, studies have shown that regular tea drinkers have a lower risk of death from cardiovascular diseases, including strokes.
4. Is tea better for your health than coffee?
Both beverages have their benefits. While tea offers a unique combination of L-theanine and caffeine and has been linked to bone protection, coffee has been associated with improved mental alertness and potential protection against certain diseases.
5. How does coffee consumption impact cognitive function?
Coffee has been shown to improve mental alertness, mood, attention, and cognitive function, especially in sleep-deprived individuals.
This article is for general information only and is not intended to treat or diagnose medical conditions. If in doubt please check with your GP first.
Reference:
[1] UK Tea & Infusions Association: https://www.tea.co.uk/about-tea
[2] UK Coffee Consumption: https://britishcoffeeassociation.org/coffee-consumption/
[3] Dr. Michael Mosley's comments from Just One Thing podcast and writings in the Mail.
[4] Effects of l-Theanine on Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Subjects Journal of Medicinal Food 2021
[5] Tea consumption and the risks of osteoporosis and hip fracture: a population-based longitudinal follow-up study. Journal of Osteoporos Int. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9813189/
[6] UK study on tea consumption and reduced risk of death, Neurology Journal, July 5, 2023.
[7] Coffee Consumption and Alzheimer's Disease Risk. European Journal of Nutrition
[8] Coffee consumption and health: umbrella review of meta-analyses of multiple health outcomes. British Medical Journal https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5696634/
[9] Effects of Caffeine on Cognitive Performance, Mood, and Alertness in Sleep-Deprived Humans: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK209050/
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