Green Tea vs Coffee – What Are the Pros and Cons of Both Drinks

In a lot of cultures, green tea is the most popular drink aside from water. Coffee is also not far behind but green tea is also known as a miracle drink in several parts of the world. Considerably, people like both beverages in their way, which is why it’s also normal for people to compare the two to decide which is best.

Even getting a clear answer that which one is best is next to impossible before knowing the pros and cons of each. Besides, it will always be a choice but we can help you decide which drink is better for you.

Which Drink Is Better - Coffee or Green Tea?

See, both the drinks have their pros and cons. Some people look for caffeine punch in each cup, coffee may be right for them. But, if you want an equally healthy drink, that’s something else entirely. Want a drink that is light in caffeine and even lighter on calories, green tea is your choice.

Though, just blatantly saying one is better than the other is wrong. Consider your taste preference, personal health needs, time of day, and seasons before you choose. We often come across people saying, overconsumption of both green tea and coffee isn’t good for health.

It’s quite obvious. Just so you know, there is a study that says drinking an enormous amount of water is bad. So, measurement is the key. Having these beverages in the right amount is always better.

Is Coffee Better in the Morning or Green Tea?

Ah, the morning cup! In cold weather having a little cup of coffee to kick start your day is just what we dream. Right! Well, it’s time to see fitness demanding reality. Why not replace your drink with hot green tea? It’s equally relaxing, low on caffeine, high in nutrients, and much more healthy.

Now, some say that I need to hit the gym, coffee is better. Well, Green tea also increases metabolism and takes care of blood pressure on the side. Honestly, this is a never-ending debate and no one can get an acceptable answer before they know what these drinks are made of. So, first, let us tell you what is in coffee and green tea.

What Are the Components of Green Tea and Coffee?

Green Tea is made of leaves, stem, and bud of the plant called Camella Sinesis. In simple words, it is unoxidized leaves and one of the less processed types of tea. It contains polyphenols, catechins, and a lot of other nutrients.

Now, coffee is an unroasted form of beans that are found in the center of coffee cherries, the fruit that grows on coffee plants. The active element in coffee is caffeine which is also a stimulant. It is also the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance in the world. It is also one of the most valuable commodities in the market.

Advantages of Drinking Green Tea

1. Green tea is good for Skin: Anti-oxidants present in green tea are highly beneficial for the skin. It has polyphenols such as flavonoids that are powerful anti-oxidants. It can reduce the formation of disease-causing free radicals in the body.

2. Green tea can help in Weight Loss: Green tea is known to increase metabolism, thus, acts as a fat fighter. Studies have shown that drinking as much as 4 cups of green tea a day increases fat oxidation at a rapid rate. The same indicates that it helps in losing weight.

3. Green tea can keep cancer at Bay: Anti-oxidants present in green tea can counter the oxidative damage and have a protective effect on our bodies. So it’s consumption can reduce the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, etc.

4. Green tea can improve Memory and Brain Function: Drinking green tea a couple of times daily improves brain functioning and memory. Catechin compounds lower the risk of developing Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. So, it is interesting that green tea provides a calming effect, soothes, and relaxes your mind.

Disadvantages of Green Tea

1. Regular consumption of green tea is very healthy. But, it’s overconsumption can lead to a variety of ailments, mostly because of its caffeine content:

• Heart palpitation

• Convulsions

• Insomnia

• Loss of appetite

• Nervousness

• Restlessness

• Irritation

2. For women who are pregnant, thinking about getting pregnant or breastfeeding, not more than 2 cups should be taken in a day. Rather skip it altogether as EGCG in green tea can interfere with the child’s growth.

3. Since green tea also contains tannin, it can decrease the iron and folic absorption in the body when taken in higher amounts. The same can also cause iron-deficiency. Besides, the caffeine in green tea can also pass into breast milk and affect the nursing infant.

4. Drinking green tea in huge amounts can make you calcium deficient by flushing out calcium in the urine. It may prohibit calcium absorption in the bones and can lead to osteoporosis.

Advantages of Drinking Coffee

1. Coffee can Boost Physical Performance: Drinking black coffee an hour before a workout can improve performance and metabolism. Caffeine is known to increase adrenaline levels in the blood which is a “fight or flight” hormone that prepares us for physical exertion.

2. Coffee can make you Lose Weight: Coffee contains magnesium and potassium, which helps the human body use insulin. The same regulates blood sugar levels, reduces the craving for sugary treats and snacks. Caffeine breaks down the fat cells and uses it as fuel for training.

3. Coffee helps you focus and stay alert: Moderate caffeine intake, 1-6 cups a day, helps you focus, and improves your mental alertness.

4. Coffee reduces the risk of Parkinson’s disease: Research has proved that regular coffee drinking decreases the risk of Parkinson’s disease significantly.

Disadvantages of Coffee

1. Coffee which is bad in quality can cause sickness, headache, or a general bad feeling. If the coffee is made from beans that have been over ripped or ruined, it can make your cup toxic. Always buy high quality, specialty coffee.

2. If a person drinks over 80-100 cups (23 liters) in a short session, he can die. Such a high dose is lethal and will amount in 10-13 grams of caffeine within your body.

3. Drinking over 5-6 cups of coffee in a day can cause insomnia and restlessness. The recommended maximum amount of caffeine is 400 milligrams, roughly 4 cups of coffee. If you’re caffeine-sensitive, be careful with coffee.

4. Avoid drinking over a cup a day if you’re pregnant. If a pregnant woman drinks coffee, caffeine can reach the fetus, and the baby will be highly sensitive to caffeine.

Is Green Tea Alkaline or Acidic?

Now, this question is already out there but there are a lot of arguments about the same. According to our experts, the pH value of green teas is between 7 and 10. Most teas available in stores are slightly on the acidic side, i.e. pH below 7.2. But green tea has a pH above 7.2, is safe, and does good things for the body.