Confused Between Chai and Coffee? Find Out Which One is Healthier
Confused Between Chai and Coffee? Find Out Which One is Healthier
The recommended safe daily intake of caffeine for humans is 400 mg. A standard 240 ml serving of brewed coffee typically contains around 95 mg of caffeine, while the same serving size of black tea contains approximately 47 mg.
7th June 2024
Tea, the second most consumed beverage globally following water, derives its origins from the Camellia sinensis plant. Commonly known as black tea, it undergoes a process of crushing, drying and fermentation, which enhances the presence of polyphenols, natural chemicals within the plant.
Originating from India, this aromatic beverage blends black tea with a combination of spices including cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, clove and nutmeg, along with milk and sweeteners such as honey or sugar. Conventionally brewed with a mixture of water and milk, chai boasts a creamy texture that enhances its rich and flavourful profile.
However, various types such as green, white and oolong teas also stem from the Camellia plant but undergo distinct processing methods. In contrast, herbal teas, comprising a myriad of flavours, are crafted from dried leaves, roots, seeds or fruits of diverse plant species, offering a range of distinct tastes and health benefits.
Coffee, another widely favoured beverage, is prepared by brewing ground and roasted seeds extracted from the coffee cherry, often referred to as coffee beans. Within a single cup of coffee, there exist thousands of natural chemicals contributing to its complex flavour profile.
Variations in the brewing method, the roasting process of the beans and the grinding technique employed all play pivotal roles in determining the unique characteristics of each cup. These factors collectively influence the aroma, taste and overall experience of enjoying coffee, offering a diverse range of options to suit individual preferences.
Both offer a plethora of benefits:
Tea
Research suggests that regular tea consumption may reduce the risk of premature death, stroke, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Tea is abundant in polyphenols, a diverse group of naturally occurring plant compounds, which are believed to contribute to its health benefits.
Although the precise mechanisms are not fully understood, studies indicate that these plant compounds may aid in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, reducing inflammation, regulating sugar and fat metabolism, insulin sensitivity and even body temperature. Additionally, tea contains l-theanine, an amino acid known for its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, offering neuroprotective properties that may help prevent cognitive decline. While animal studies suggest that green and black tea possess anti-cancer properties against various types of cancer, human studies yield mixed or inconclusive results. Thus, while tea may harbour these beneficial properties, its efficacy in preventing cancer remains uncertain.
Coffee
Recent studies have linked coffee consumption to reduced risks of liver disease, heart disease, certain brain diseases, type 2 diabetes and mortality. While the exact mechanisms underlying these health benefits are not fully understood, research suggests several potential advantages. These include temporary blood sugar reduction, protection of brain cells, decreased inflammation and mitigation of oxidative stress, which can harm cells.
Coffee consumption may also lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease by safeguarding dopamine-producing brain cells, as indicated by animal studies, with human research supporting a correlation between regular coffee intake and reduced Parkinson’s rates. Additionally, coffee might aid in decreasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, although findings from studies are inconclusive. While coffee’s high caffeine content promotes increased energy, concentration and alertness, its role in disease prevention remains unclear despite its likely protective effects on the brain.
So, which one is better for you?
· The recommended safe daily intake of caffeine for humans is 400 mg. A standard 240 ml serving of brewed coffee typically contains around 95 mg of caffeine, while the same serving size of black tea contains approximately 47 mg. Therefore, coffee contains twice the amount of caffeine compared to an equal serving of tea.
· Although caffeine is often sought after for its ability to provide a morning boost or enhance concentration, excessive consumption can lead to various side effects including irritability, restlessness, anxiety, headaches, difficulty sleeping, nervousness and tremors.
· According to experts, both tea and coffee can cause staining on teeth, but the pigments found in tea tend to have a more significant impact on tooth discolouration compared to coffee.
· According to certain studies, consuming caffeine may increase calorie burning by up to 3-13%. Additionally, coffee has been associated with fat-burning effects attributed to its ability to inhibit the production of fat cells, which some studies link to its chlorogenic acid content. Therefore, if you aim to expedite your weight loss journey, opting for coffee may be beneficial.
· Tea contains lower levels of caffeine but is abundant in L-theanine, an antioxidant known to stimulate the brain. Research indicates that combining L-theanine with caffeine can support alertness, focus, attention and mental sharpness.
Opt for coffee if you require a more potent caffeine boost, seek to elevate mental alertness and prefer a beverage with zero calories or sugar. Select chai if you prefer a beverage with less caffeine, appreciate potential digestive and anti-inflammatory advantages and enjoy the rich flavours of spices.
