5 Benefits from Coffee and Tea 

1. Protection against liver disease and cancer. Coffee is high in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals that can cause degradation to cells (associated with premature aging) and contribute to the development of some cancers. The antioxidants found in coffee may be beneficial in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and may reduce the risk of liver cancer and death from chronic liver disease. According to the National Cancer Institute, the antioxidants of green tea may help to reduce tumor growth. 

2. Possible decreased risk of dementia. The caffeine in coffee and tea has long been shown to stimulate brain activity, but new studies show that the caffeine in both coffee and tea may protect against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Some research has even suggested a possible correlation between coffee consumption and decreased risk of Parkinson’s disease. It may also be the caffeine from the coffee that protects against Parkinson’s because decaf drinkers don’t appear to have the same protection. 

3. Lowered risk of type 2 diabetes. Recent research by Harvard University School of Public Health indicates that the polyphenols from coffee or tea consumption can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and help improve insulin secretion and sensitivity. 

4. Protection from cardiovascular disease. As studies suggest, the consumption of both coffee and green tea may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers have found that antioxidants in coffee may offer protective effects on the vascular system. 

5. Immune-boosting properties. According to recent research, coffee, white teas, and green teas can help boost the immune system.

Coffee and Tea: Potential Side Effects 

Caffeine can cause the following side effects: 

• Anxiety

• Insomnia

• Irregular heartbeat 

Coffee (both regular and decaf) can also irritate the digestive tract, bladder, and prostate. 

The concerns with high caffeine consumption apply equally to coffee and tea, but you’d have to drink many more cups of tea to ingest those same high levels of caffeine. If you’re drinking a cup of tea in the evening, you may want to opt for caffeine-free herbal tea or white tea, which contains the lowest amount of caffeine, so as not to interfere with your sleep habits.

Overall it appears that both coffee and tea have excellent health benefits so it’s mostly a matter of personal preference as to which one you prefer to drink. It is best to drink organic coffee and tea to avoid ingesting pesticides and other harmful substances.