|
|
|
|
A cup of joe in the morning is about as American as apple pie and the statistics back that up. A 2018 study by the National Coffee Association found that 64% of Americans drink at least one cup of coffee everyday. Most, however, do not indulge in those expensive cafes that seem to be on every street corner in 2019. Most of the 3,000 people surveyed (79%) said they brewed their coffee at home before work.
Tea is not consumed as frequently in the USA as it is in other parts of the world. But it definitely popular among Americans too. The Tea Association of the USA estimates that about 51% of Americans drink tea daily. Younger Americans, southerners and New Englanders are more likely to drink tea than any other demographics in the USA. While iced coffee has become more popular in the last 25 years or so, upwards of 80% of tea consumed in the USA is iced or cold tea.
Accommodations in the office go a long way in employee happiness and retention. Office break room furniture, fancy coffeemakers and a wide variety of tea in said breakrooms makes employees feel more appreciated. But is coffee or tea better to get through the workday?
Tea has the reputation of being an elixir that addresses all kinds of health issues. But both of these morning beverages benefit the human body in different ways.
Coffee contains many key nutrients, specifically magnesium, niacin and potassium. Granted the levels of these nutrients are low. But those who drink multiple cups of coffee per day will reap the benefits. A 2009 meta-analysis published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine (now JAMA Internal Medicine) found that regular coffee drinkers reduce the risk of developing diabetes by upwards of 7%. Coffee has also been found to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and liver cancer.
Tea is also a great cancer antagonist due to its flavonoids and catechins. Tea is also a natural anti-inflammatory due to polyphenols. Green tea is especially good for oral health. It kills bacteria in your mouth that lead to tooth decay and cavities. Tea has also been found to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering “bad cholesterol” in the body.
Most people will say tea when asked which of the two drinks is healthier. Tea typically wins the public relations battle, while coffee gets the reputation of being a drug of sorts due to its high caffeine content. Of course tea also has caffeine, but most people, for whatever reason, view the caffeine in tea as safer.
Coffee has about 100 milligrams of caffeine per eight ounce cup; tea has anywhere from 15-70 milligrams per serving. Green tea has less caffeine than many other types, while you can always drink decaffeinated coffee.
Those looking for that quick jolt of energy in the morning drink coffee. Tea has less caffeine, and also contains the amino acid L-theanine which slows caffeine absorption. Tea is also said to have anti-anxiety properties and is the choice of those needing to stay alert and relaxed for many hours.
Harvard Medical School researchers say slowly drinking coffee throughout the day (versus downing several cups in the morning) keeps you more alert. Caffeinated teas that are less processed have high levels of anti-oxidants that do a lot of good things for the body while also producing a more alert effect.
Its a hung jury in the case of tea vs. coffee. Whichever beverage helps you get through the workday is the winner.
(formerly known as)
Phone