If you rely on your morning coffee or tea to start your day and ultimately to function, you are not alone! Coffee and tea have long been known, and are widely recognised, as the kick starter to many
people’s days. If you are one of the millions who have a coffee in the morning, and maybe even sneak one in when you hit that mid-afternoon wall, we have some good news for you! There are undoubtedly several health benefits to drinking coffee and tea respectively. These benefits do depend on your individual health, so it is always wise to confirm or discuss with your doctor before making significant changes to your diet. If you don’t have a doctor, or you are looking for a quick answer or discussion, you can try an app which can help you get in touch with a doctor in no time!
Some of the health benefits of coffee include:
- No pain, no gain; drinking coffee post-workout can help reduce any muscle pain you may feel as a result of the workout by up to 48%.
- Lower risk of diabetes; drinking coffee has been shown to lower one’s risk of getting type 2 diabetes by about 22%.
- Your teeth will thank you; black coffee, though it may (in large quantities) stain your teeth, can help prevent cavities when consumed in moderation.
- Lower risk of Alzheimer’s; coffee has been shown to reduce the risk of, and the amount of, brain plaque that is known to cause and increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.
- Heart happy; your risk of heart disease may decrease if you consume coffee regularly, as proven by studies conducted in Korea
There are different benefits for each tea, and people drink different types for various reasons; some can help you get over a cold, others can help you sleep. Some of the more general health benefits of drinking tea include:
- Antioxidants; the less processed the tea, the richer in antioxidants it is, (with white tea being the least processed), which help you boost your immune system and overall function
- Less caffeine; tea can be an excellent substitute for coffee if you are worried about the potential implications of caffeine, such as effects on your nervous system.
- Weight loss; some teas have been shown to help with weight loss when consumed in moderation
- Tea can make your teeth happy; tea changes the pH balance in your mouth which can help in preventing cavities and tooth loss.
- Tea keeps you hydrated; if you find it hard to drink enough water in a day, tea is a great (and low or no calorie) option for staying hydrated and reaping the benefits of drinking a sufficient amount of water.